An unidentified 74 year-old Darby man has drowned in the Bitterroot River. 

Ravalli County Undersheriff Steve Bolton said the incident occurred as the victim was fishing in a boat with two friends early on Wednesday afternoon.

"It was about 12:35 p.m. this afternoon and three adult men were fishing from a boat on the Bitterroot River between Tucker Crossing and Victor Crossing," Holton said. "It looks like the boat hit a submerged log and capsized, sending all three men into the water, Two were able to get back in the boat, while the third was swept downstream."

Holton said the victim's body was finally recovered downriver later Wednesday afternoon.

"Search and Rescue, the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office, Victor and Stevensville Fire Departments and then an ambulance from the hospital all responded," he said. "We found him just a little bit north of Victor Crossing and he was completely submerged, and was declared dead at the scene."

Holton said he did not know if the victim was wearing a life jacket. He said the river is high and fast and encourages anyone who will be fishing or recreating on the water to wear a life vest or life jacket for safety.

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