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IDAHO FALLS — A holiday celebration was delayed about an hour while crews searched for the body of a man who drowned in the Snake River Thursday night.
Lloyd N. Westbrook II, 27, attempted to swim out to an island in the middle of the river at about 9:30 p.m. Thursday night. Westbrook was attending a fireworks show held in the area, according to Lt. James Forster with the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office.
Westbrook was unable to navigate the speed and depth of the river, Forster said. Two others entered the river to try and help the man, but he was eventually pulled under and drowned. The drowning occurred in an area not intended for swimmers.
Foster said there were already boats with divers on the river, prepared for just such an incident. They spent some time searching the river and located the body at about 1:10 a.m. Friday morning.
The fireworks show was delayed for about an hour due to the drowning.
Foster said that anyone recreating in the Snake River should be wearing a life preserver and stay in areas designated for swimming.