MT Teen Hailed As Hero After Roping Drowning Man From Yellowstone River

BIG TIMBER, MT. (THECOUNT) — Jory Thomas, 14, is being credited with saving a man’s life after using his roping skills to pull him from the Yellowstone River following a boating accident near Big Timber, Montana, according to local authorities.

Big Timber is located in south-central Montana along the Yellowstone River, a waterway known for strong currents and rapidly changing conditions. The dramatic rescue unfolded July 5 near a campground where Jory’s grandparents were staying for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

According to family members and the Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office, Jory was casually practicing roping while visiting the campground when he suddenly heard cries for help coming from the river.

Authorities said a boat had struck a bridge pillar, throwing three occupants into the Yellowstone River.

Two individuals managed to make it out of the water, but a third person remained stranded in the swift current while clinging to a cooler.

Without hesitation, Jory emptied his pockets, crossed a side channel, and entered the river in an effort to help.

Drawing on skills he had spent the past year developing through ranch work and roping practice, the teenager grabbed his rope and attempted to reach the struggling man.

According to accounts provided by his family, Jory convinced the man to release the cooler he was holding before throwing the rope.

The rope reportedly caught the victim around the neck and one arm, allowing Jory and another bystander to pull him toward shore.

The rescue happened so quickly that by the time a Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived, everyone involved was already safely out of the water.

Dispatch records show the emergency call was received at approximately 5:39 p.m., and a deputy arrived only minutes later.

Sweet Grass County Sheriff Alan Ronneberg said he believes the teenager’s actions directly prevented a potential drowning.

According to Ronneberg, the victim’s chances of reaching shore without assistance were extremely limited given the speed of the current.

Jory’s father, Jase Thomas, who has served for decades with the Big Timber Volunteer Fire Department, immediately contacted emergency dispatch after witnessing the incident.

While grateful for the outcome, Jase acknowledged he was concerned for his son’s safety as the rescue unfolded.

He noted that the stretch of river becomes increasingly hazardous downstream, where deep holes, logjams, and strong currents can create dangerous conditions.

Family members said Jory has spent the past year dedicated to improving his roping skills, regularly practicing with roping dummies and participating in local ranch activities.

According to his father, Jory is rarely seen without a rope and has developed a strong passion for ranch life and livestock work.

Outside of ranching, the teenager enjoys hunting and participating in county fair events, where he shows livestock.

Those who know Jory say his willingness to help others is nothing new.

Family members described him as someone who routinely steps forward to assist people without being asked, whether at community events, local stores, or around town.

Sheriff Ronneberg praised the teenager’s actions, saying the rescue serves as a powerful reminder that courage often appears in unexpected moments.

Authorities have not released the identity of the individual who was rescued.

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