Idaho Teen Dies After Boulder Incident While Camping

The 18-year-old was enjoying a fishing trip when his life came to an abrupt, tragic end. His family has started a GoFundMe to raise funds for funeral expenses.

On Monday, June 9, the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office released a report about an incident that had occurred over the weekend, on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Around 9:35 p.m., the sheriff's office—along with the Clearwater County Ambulance Service, Orofino Fire Department, and Nez Perce Tribal Police—responded to reports of a boulder that had fallen on an individual approximately one mile south of Northfork Drive, in Ahsahka.

Authorities identified the victim as Idaho native Sheldon Medford, who was found pinned beneath the large rock and pronounced dead at the scene.. The teenager had been camping in the area at the time of the incident, according to the report.

Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his sudden death. A few days following his passing, a relative of Medford, Ariel Sackett, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his family in planning for his funeral.

"Sheldon was so much more than just a son and brother; he was a best friend, a partner in crime, an avid outdoorsman, a free spirit and a true source of joy and silliness. This loss was sudden and has left a void in our hearts," Sackett wrote.

The family's goal is to raise $14,000. At the time of this writing, they have collected $10,325.