Search for missing teen moves down river

POCATELLO —- Search efforts for 16-year-old Jayden Jensen Thursday were concentrated where the Snake River meets and opens into the American Falls Reservoir, officials said in a Facebook post.

This area is several miles down river from the McTucker Ponds area, where Jayden was last seen.

Mud, snow and ice made going difficult for rescuers. The trail was nearly impassible in some areas, officials said. Crews had to make their way through willows stands that would normally be covered in water.

“We have encountered difficulties traveling by vehicle and by (side-by-sides), with the need to self-recover various times throughout the day,” the post reads.

Crews also faced severe winds and cold water temperatures.

Jayden was reportedly duck hunting with a group of friends on Wednesday. He went into the water to retrieve a duck and sank beneath the surface. His friends couldn’t find him, even after going in the water themselves.

Fort Hall Fish and Game and Fort Hall Swift Water Rescue joined in the search on Thursday, and Air Idaho Rescue had a helicopter and drones in the air, according to a Facebook post from the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office.

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“Air Idaho Rescue offered aerial direction for boats to respond and investigate surface abnormalities,” the post reads.

Jayden’s father, Shawn Jensen, was with search and rescue teams throughout the day, as well.

The search will resume on Friday morning.