Idaho Father and Daughter Honored by State Police for Reservoir Rescue That Saved Two Lives
An Idaho father and daughter are being recognized by the Idaho State Police after jumping into a freezing reservoir on March 7 to pull survivors from a sinking pickup truck — an act of courage that saved a mother and her young son while two other family members lost their lives.
Tim Tekippe and his daughter Paige were the recipients of the honors following the incident near Arrowrock Road, where a black GMC pickup truck veered off the narrow roadway and plunged into a reservoir after moving aside for an oncoming vehicle.
A Routine Outing Turns Into a Rescue
The Tekippes had set out that Saturday for a casual day trip to explore hot springs along Arrowrock Road, traveling with their dogs and a side-by-side off-road vehicle. Shortly after unloading from their trailer, they pulled in behind the GMC pickup and followed it for roughly five miles. When an oncoming vehicle appeared on the narrow road, the pickup moved toward the shoulder — too far. Tim Tekippe watched it bounce, then roll off the ledge.
“They moved over to the side of the road, and they really just moved over too far, and we saw the pickup bounce and roll off,” Tim Tekippe said.
Paige watched the truck flip at least twice before it launched approximately 30 feet out into the reservoir, landing nose-down with the tailgate pointing upward. Tinted windows made it impossible to see how many people were trapped inside.
Without hesitating, Paige slid down the steep bank and swam out to the truck fully clothed — jacket, vest, and jeans — carrying a rock to break the glass. She reached the vehicle and could hear faint tapping from inside the submerged cab, a sound she later described as one she will never forget.
“That it’s like, ‘Oh, they are awake, they’re alert in there, they are trying to get out,'” Paige said.
Racing the Clock in 41-Foot-Deep Water
Tim swam out behind his daughter and climbed into the truck bed, smashing the rear center window — but the opening was too small. He quickly broke a second window and discovered a six-year-old boy inside. As the truck was nearly fully submerged, Tim pulled the child out and handed him to Paige.
“Pulled him out — Paige had climbed up — and gave him to Paige, and at this point, the pickup’s almost underwater,” Tim recalled.
As Tim worked to break a third window, the sinking truck pulled both rescuers underwater along with it. Tim later said he remembered looking up at the surface and having to swim for it, initially believing the water might be shallow enough to stand on the submerged roof. When a sheriff’s boat arrived on scene, crews confirmed the reservoir depth was 41 feet.
Both Tim and Paige surfaced. The boy clung to Paige as they made their way to shore. The child’s mother had managed to escape through the front passenger window — her husband had helped push her out before the truck went under. The driver of the oncoming vehicle also entered the water and assisted in getting the mother and son to the bank. Community members who had gathered helped the survivors up the steep ledge, offered dry clothing, and provided a warm vehicle for the mother and child.
Tragically, the boy’s father and infant brother did not survive. An off-duty sheriff traveling with the oncoming vehicle group used a satellite phone to summon help. It took approximately 30 minutes for a sheriff’s unit to arrive; a boat was the first responder on scene, reaching the submerged truck while air bubbles were still rising from below.
“Wish that we could have saved everybody in the pickup. At the same time, you know, happy that we were able to help out,” Tim Tekippe said.
What Comes Next
In the days following the rescue, the Tekippes connected with the surviving mother, who expressed deep gratitude. Tim and Paige attended the funeral for the father and young son. Tim said the service was a meaningful tribute and noted the mother has a strong circle of family and friends supporting her recovery.
The Idaho State Police honor reflects a broader recognition of civilian bravery in emergency situations across the state. Residents are reminded that quick thinking during roadway emergencies — like those documented in recent crashes involving large vehicles on Idaho highways — can mean the difference between life and death. Anyone who witnesses a serious accident is encouraged to call 911 immediately and, when safe, render assistance. For more on public safety incidents across the region, visit our coverage of local emergency responses or follow statewide news at Idaho News.