# Montana teen rescues man from river

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montana-teen-rescues-man-from-river
> Updated: 2026-08-02T22:48:33.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

In early July 2026 a 14‑year‑old ranch hand from Big Timber, Montana, Jory Thomas, heard cries for help on the Yellowstone River after a raft and paddleboard struck a bridge. Three of the four people thrown into the fast‑moving water reached shore, but a man remained downstream clutching a cooler. Thomas ran to the river with a rodeo lasso, looped it around the man on his first attempt and pulled him to safety. The Sweet Grass County sheriff praised the rescue as likely life‑saving.

Initial coverage focused on Thomas’s quick thinking, his roping training, and the sheriff’s remarks. A later report added that the sheriff’s office awarded Thomas a certificate of achievement and noted that the rescue received national media attention, further highlighting the teen’s skill and bravery.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Montana teen rescues man from Yellowstone River using rodeo lasso

Montana teen Jory Thomas used a rodeo lasso to rescue a drowning man from the Yellowstone River on July 5, earning praise and a certificate from Sweet Grass County Sheriff.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montana-teen-rescues-man-from-yellowstone-river-using-rodeo-lasso

### 2026-07-21: Montana teen Jory Thomas saves man from drowning in Yellowstone River

14‑year‑old Jory Thomas used his roping skills to rescue a man swept downstream after a raft collision on the Yellowstone River in Montana, an act praised by the local sheriff.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montana-teen-jory-thomas-saves-man-from-drowning-in-yellowstone-river

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Cite as: Montana teen rescues man from river. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montana-teen-rescues-man-from-river