Teen Rancher Uses Roping Skills to Save Drowning Man

A young rancher from Montana, aged 14, recently found himself in a life-saving situation. The teen, Jory Thomas, attributed his actions to being in the ‘right place at the right time’, after he used his practiced cowboy skills to save a man from drowning in the Yellowstone River.

The incident occurred on July 5, near Greycliff, Montana. Thomas, camping with his family, heard cries for help coming from the river. ‘We all heard, ‘Help, help,” he recounted to KTVQ. Spotting several people floating, he noticed one man clinging to a cooler, drifting silently down the river.

A rafting accident had occurred after a raft and paddleboard collided with a bridge pillar, throwing four individuals into the turbulent waters. While three managed to reach the shore, one man continued to float downstream, desperately holding onto the cooler.

Thomas realized swift action was necessary. ‘The current was pretty fast and he was moving quickly,’ he recalled. His focus was solely on getting the man out of danger.

Acting quickly, Thomas emptied his pockets and ventured through a waist-deep side channel before running along the riverbank. He carried with him a 12-foot lariat, something he had brought on this camping trip on a whim.

‘My first instinct was to try and rope him before he got too far,’ Thomas explained. ‘Luckily, I caught him on the first attempt.’

Using his rope, Thomas pulled the man towards the shore through chest-deep water. First responders soon arrived to assist with the rescue.

Thomas reflected on the skills he had been honing on his family’s ranch, initially thinking they were just for cattle. ‘I just thought I could help with cattle,’ he explained. ‘But I’m glad I was here to help a person.’

Attributing his actions to his faith, he said, ‘God put me there. God was telling me to get him. I believe in that.’

For his brave efforts, the Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office awarded Thomas with a Certificate of Achievement, applauding his swift actions and bravery. Sheriff Alan Ronneberg and Undersheriff Ron Swanson recognized him near Pelican Fishing Access. ‘Well done, Jory!’ they expressed in a social media post celebrating his heroism.