Teen Uses Rodeo Lasso to Rescue a Drowning Stranger.

At the time of the incident, Jory had been celebrating the July 4th holiday weekend at his grandparents’ house along the Yellowstone River. In recent months, Jory had been working on his roping skills every afternoon using a lasso and roping dummy, which earned him the nickname "Ranch Kid." 

When Jory and his family heard screams coming from the riverbank, his father – a veteran volunteer firefighter – immediately called 911. Locals know that Yellowstone River’s swift current can quickly lead to dangerous swimming obstacles, such as rapids and logjams. 

Sensing danger, Jory sprinted to the riverbank, where he spotted three people floating down the river. When they reached the safety of shore, the swimmers doubled over from physical exhaustion. The three frantically explained to bystanders that their raft and paddleboard had struck a bridge pier, catapulting all four paddlers into the river. The fourth paddler remained stranded in the water's strong current, clinging onto a cooler.

Jory located the victim and realized the cooler had begun to move downriver. He had his 12-foot lariat with him that day and instinctively grabbed for it. He then waded out in the direction of the stranded man until the water reached his chest. He yelled to the man and instructed him to release the cooler, convincing the victim that he would pull him to safety. Jory then threw his lasso overhead and successfully looped around the man’s body on the first attempt. 

By the time first responders arrived on the scene, Jory had pulled the man to safety.

"I felt pretty good afterwards that I knew he was okay and was out of the water," said Jory.

Emergency crews credited him with an heroic rescue. 

"Jory saved the individual’s life, 100%,” said County Sheriff Alan Ronneberg.

The Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office honored Jory with a Certificate of Achievement. Montana Senator Steve Daines also recognized the heroic teen by naming him "Montanan of the Month."

"His first instinct always is to help other people," said his grandmother, with pride.

The Foundation For a Better Life and PassItOn believe that Jory Thomas is a hero. He prevented an accident from becoming a tragedy. He used his unique skills, fast action and confidence to complete a daring rescue. His action is a great example of the value of bravery. 

Watch video here: https://youtu.be/NtMWNJuthKg?si=iHWolYPtXcAbgZ7q