The body of a missing college basketball player was found after he went missing during a rafting trip on an Idaho river, authorities shared.
Everette Jackson, 21, was a sophomore forward at Louisiana State University Eunice (LSU). His body was recovered on Sunday after Jackson had disappeared after falling into the water during a June 11 rafting trip while tubing with his girlfriend.
“It is with great sadness that we have learned that the body of Everette Jackson has been found,” LSU Eunice shared on Twitter Monday. “We will share funeral arrangements after he returns home and they are made available.”
It is with great sadness that we have learned that the body of Everette Jackson has been found. We will share funeral arrangements after he returns home and they are made available.
Please keep Everette's family and loved ones in your prayers in the coming days and weeks. pic.twitter.com/z6NxJxeCGv
— LSU Eunice (@LSUEunice) June 19, 2022
Gem County law enforcement also shared its condolences following the recovery of Jackson’s body.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this very difficult time,” Gem County Sheriff Donnie Wunder said in a statement. “We are grateful to all of the emergency responders and volunteers who made this recovery possible.”
The Idaho Statesman reported that the rafting accident occurred near the Gem County Island Sports Complex in Emmett.
“Volunteers and rescue crews have spent the past eight days combing the area for Jackson. A volunteer found the body two miles downstream from where he disappeared,” the outlet reported. “A family member positively identified his body.”
“Family members on social media said the 21-year-old and his girlfriend missed their exit and tried to paddle back to a dock. She was able to cling to a branch, but Jackson was reportedly pulled away in the current,” according to KTVB-TV.
A Gem County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post warned of the Payette River’s hazardous conditions just two days before Jackson’s disappearance.
“Rivers in the area are running at fast speeds and high-water levels. Even if the water looks calm, rivers can be extremely dangerous. When rivers are higher[,] they’re faster[,] and they’re colder than normal,” the post stated.
“Current conditions make rivers and canals much more dangerous. Avoiding the rivers and canals at this time is strongly suggested,” it added.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) expressed his family’s condolences on Monday at the news of Jackson’s death.
“Becky and I are praying that the Lord comforts the family and friends who are grieving over the tragic passing of Everette Jackson,” he wrote.
Becky and I are praying that the Lord comforts the family and friends who are grieving over the tragic passing of Everette Jackson. https://t.co/4Ak1mys5hs
— John Kennedy (@SenJohnKennedy) June 20, 2022
His sister, Megan Jackson, described him as “fun, adventurous, he loves to play basketball, loved basketball,” adding that he “loved his family. He was very family-oriented. He just gets along with everybody,” according to WDSU.
Jackson was a graduate of Central Lafourche High School in Louisiana in 2019.
The news also came one day after nearly 200 people at Jackson’s high school gathered in their gym to offer prayer regarding the search for Jackson.
“Beyond the prayer, residents at Saturday’s basketball game said some locals are setting up fundraisers to help the family with the search,” Houma Today reported.