Search, recovery efforts continue for Peck man

The Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office continues search and recovery operations for Joseph Wren of Peck who remains missing and is presumed drowned following an incident that occurred in the Clearwater River near Lenore on Saturday, Aug. 8.

At about 2:51 p.m. on Aug. 8, Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office Dispatch received a report that Joseph Wren had entered the water and failed to resurface. Nez Perce County Deputies, Nez Perce Tribal Police and Clearwater County Deputies along with additional search and rescue resources responded to the area and immediately began search operations, according to NPCSPO.

Since the initial report, responders have conducted extensive search efforts utilizing shoreline searches, aerial resources, and other available search methods. The Nez Perce County Dive Team is also being utilized as part of the ongoing search and recovery operation. As efforts continue, sonar equipment and other specialized recovery tools will be deployed as conditions allow and resources become available to assist in locating Wren. Despite ongoing efforts, he has not yet been located. Based on witness statements and the circumstances surrounding the incident, authorities believe he may have drowned. At this time, however, he remains missing, and search and recovery operations are ongoing, NPCSO reported.

Search operations are being evaluated on a daily based on environmental conditions, available resources, and information developed during the investigation, NPCSO continued.

The Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office, the Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, the Nez Perce County Dive Team, and all other responding agencies, volunteer personnel, and community members who have assisted in the search effort.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Nez Perce County Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center at 208-799-3131.

Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.