Missing Sandpoint man found deceased after storm

SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man who went missing last week during a thunderstorm was found deceased Monday. 

Bonner County Sheriff’s Office became aware of boater Rod Crawford, 71, after he went missing following a severe thunderstorm in the evening of Aug. 29. 

Marine deputies quickly responded to the scene and recovered Crawford’s boat near City Beach boat launch, but the man was not found near the vessel. BCSO personnel and family members continued a search for him across shorelines, using drones to search the surrounding area.  

Several days into the search, Crawford was found dead in Lake Pend Oreille north of the train bridge around 2 p.m. Sept. 1.   

In a press release, BCSO officials shared their gratitude for the local agencies that stepped forward to help locate Crawford — the Sheriff’s Office marine division, sonar team, dive team, drone team and the Sandpoint Police Department — in addition to the public’s help.  

“We are also grateful to the community for their offers to assist in the search,” BCSO officials said in the online press release. “A preliminary investigation indicates this was an unfortunate accident and foul play is not suspected.” 

A cause of death will be reported and determined by the Bonner County Coroner’s Office.