18-year-old dies after being crushed by boulder while camping and fishing with friend

CLEARWATER COUNTY, Idaho (Gray News) - Idaho authorities say a young man has died after a boulder fell on him while camping.

According to the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office, a falling boulder crushed 18-year-old Sheldon Medford while he was camping on June 7.

Medford, a Lewiston resident, was found dead after 9:30 p.m. about a mile down Northfork Drive in the Ahsahka area.

First responders said Medford was already pinned under a large boulder when crews arrived. They declared him dead at the scene.

Sheldon Medford, 18, of Lewiston, Idaho, was pinned under a large boulder and declared... — Sheldon Medford, 18, of Lewiston, Idaho, was pinned under a large boulder and declared deceased at the scene.(GoFundMe)

Medford was reportedly camping and fishing with a friend.

The boulder rolled from above a riverbank, hit the friend on the arm before crushing Medford, who had been fishing, the Lewiston Tribune reported

Loved ones have since started a GoFundMe in Medford’s name, calling what happened a tragic accident.

“This loss was sudden and has left a void in our hearts,” Ariel Sackett shared with the fundraiser. “Sheldon touched so many throughout his life with his loving heart, kindness, laughter and love for the outdoors.”

She added, “Sheldon was so much more than just a son and brother; he was a best friend, a partner in crime, an avid outdoorsman, a free spirit and a true source of joy and silliness.”

Ahsahka is about 255 miles north of Boise.