A mother of three is facing a long road of recovery and rehabilitation after a boating accident at Bear Lake resulted in the traumatic amputation of both of her legs. The woman, who is in her mid-30s, was struck by a boat propeller while tubing on the Idaho side of the lake, according to reports from the Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office and family organizers.
Details of the Accident
The accident occurred on a Saturday while the woman was tubing on the Idaho side of Bear Lake, according to a report from East Idaho News. During the incident, she was pulled beneath the boat and struck by the propeller, resulting in catastrophic injuries.
Bystanders on the beach rushed to assist the woman, applying tourniquets to her injuries before first responders arrived on the scene. The Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office stated in a social media post that these immediate actions from bystanders ultimately saved her life. Following the incident, the woman was flown to a hospital where she has already undergone multiple surgeries.
Family Navigates Recovery
The victim's family has requested that her identity remain private during this difficult time. While her name has been kept confidential at the request of her loved ones, her family is currently navigating the overwhelming emotional, physical, and financial challenges brought on by the life-changing injury.
As East Idaho News reported, the woman is the mother of three children, ages 16, 8, and 2. Her husband and extended family are working to support her as she begins the process of rebuilding her life.
Community Support Efforts
To assist with the mounting costs of the accident, Sara Wodrich, the Chief Operating Officer of Utah Life Real Estate Group, has organized a GoFundMe fundraiser on behalf of the family. The fundraiser, created with the permission and support of the family, aims to provide stability during what organizers describe as one of the most difficult seasons the family has ever faced.
Financial Burden and Needs
The financial needs for the family include a wide range of immediate and long-term expenses. Beyond direct medical care and rehabilitation, the funds are intended to cover the costs of prosthetic limbs and related care.
Additional expenses identified by the family include home and vehicle modifications to ensure accessibility, travel and lodging for family members near the hospital, and childcare. The funds will also help address lost household income, daily living expenses, groceries, utilities, and other essential household costs that arise during her recovery.
Fundraising Progress
As of late July 2026, the GoFundMe campaign has raised over $94,000 toward a $500,000 goal. The campaign has received contributions from hundreds of donors, including a single donation of $10,000.
Organizers stated that every donation, regardless of the amount, will be used solely to support the beneficiary and her family. Funds will be transferred directly to the beneficiary or distributed according to the family's direction to help cover medical, rehabilitation, and household expenses.
A Focus on Healing
The family has asked that those who are unable to provide financial assistance instead keep the mother, her children, and their loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.
While the woman remains hospitalized, her family continues to focus on healing and being together as they face the unforeseen costs associated with her recovery.
Ongoing Recovery
The Bear Lake County Sheriff's Office has maintained contact with the family throughout the recovery process. The family remains focused on the long-term rehabilitation required to manage the consequences of the traumatic amputation.
