Teen who drowned in Gem County canal identified

By KBCI Staff

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The Gem County Sheriff says the 17-year-old boy was swimming with friends in the Black Canyon canal and was swept into a tunnel.

Story Published: Jun 29, 2009 at 3:04 PM PST

Story Updated: Jun 29, 2009 at 4:37 PM PST

Teen who drowned in Gem County canal identified

Travis Jakovac

EMMETT – Authorities have found the body of a Canyon County teen who drowned in a rural canal over the weekend.

The Gem County Sheriff says the 17-year old boy was swimming with friends in the Black Canyon canal and was swept into a tunnel. His three other friends alerted authorities around 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Crews search for the body

The teen, identified as Travis Jakovac, was a student at Caldwell High School and played football and was a member of the wrestling team. He was entering his senior year in high school.

The Gem County Sheriff's office says the teens were swimming in an area known as "The Tressel." His body was found at about 10:15 a.m. Monday.

Tony Lane, Travis' uncle, said he believes officials need to install grate systems into canals in rural areas so similar tragedies don't happen again.

"How many little kids have to die?" said Tony Lane, Travis' uncle. "I don't want to see another parent or uncle go through this."

Officials say the search for him was called off late Sunday night, but resumed Monday morning.