Star Valley Search & Rescue responds to the Snake River Canyon Wednesday afternoon after an elderly woman from Idaho fell into the water. Photo courtesy Star Valley Search & Rescue.

The body of an elderly woman from Rigby, Idaho was recovered by Star Valley Search & Rescue Wednesday afternoon, June 18, after she fell into the Snake River.

Lincoln County Sheriff Shane Johnson said the woman, identified as Joyce Balls, 89, fell over the lookout at Big Kahuna while on a picnic with family. Star Valley Search & Rescue responded to the scene. Balls’ body was recovered down river after being found by a drone.

“This was truly a tragic accident and reminder just how unforgiving the river can be,” stated Star Valley Search & Rescue. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”

This was the second time Star Valley Search & Rescue has been recently dispatched to the scene of a drowning victim. Last week SVS&R recovered the body of an elderly man from Afton after he drowned in Swift Creek east of Afton.