11/21/08

RIGGINS, Idaho (AP) _ The Idaho County Sheriff's office is
scaling back the search for a Meridian man who fell in the Salmon
River near Riggins.

Chief Deputy John Nida said deputies will continue to keep an
eye out for the body of 63-year-old Steven Joseph Hicks, who is
presumed drowned.

Hicks was fishing with a friend in a drift boat when the vessel
overturned. Doyle Lamb said he was able to hold on to Hicks for
some time as he tried to swim to shore, but he lost his grip before
reaching land.

Records indicate the water may have been about 40 degrees at the
time of the incident.

A dive team searched the river but was unable to find Hicks.
___

Information from: Lewiston Tribune, http://www.lmtribune.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
APNP-11-21-08 1026MST<