College Basketball Player Who Went Missing While Rafting With Girlfriend Found Dead In Idaho River

The body of a missing Louisiana college basketball player has been recovered after he disappeared while rafting on an Idaho river, authorities said.

Everette Roman Jackson, of Raceland, was pulled out of the Payette River on Sunday, June 19, nearly a week after he was reported missing after he went tubing with his girlfriend on June 11, the Idaho Statesman reported.

The 21-year-old was a Central Lafourche High School graduate and a basketball player at Louisiana State University Eunice.

"It is with great sadness that we have learned that the body of Everette Jackson has been found," college officials confirmed Jackson’s death in a tweet posted late Sunday. "We will share funeral arrangements after he returns home and they are made available."

Jackson’s girlfriend said they were together tubing when he lost control and got swept away in the river, WDSU reported. They are from out of town and didn’t know how dangerous the water could be, reports said.

The Gem County sheriff’s office later released a statement saying that the river was "flowing at a rate that presents a danger to anyone not using a motorized craft."

The week-long search ended on Monday. The search operation included boats and jet skis in the river west of the Washington Bridge in Emmett and downstream towards Letha, the sheriff's office said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this very difficult time," Gem County Sheriff Donnie Wunder said in a statement. "We are grateful to all of the emergency responders and volunteers who made this recovery possible."

Jackson’s sister, Megan Jackson, described her brother as "fun, adventurous."

"He loves to play basketball, loved basketball. He loved his family. He was very family-oriented. He just gets along with everybody," said the sister.

Several people took to social media to offer their condolences.

"Everette Roman Jackson I love you we’ll meet again one day," his former teammate, Malik Criner, wrote.

Another user added: "So tragic. My heart is breaking for his family and friends. Praying and sending love for all involved."