Local News
Fatal Helicopter Crash on Ririe Reservoir Under Investigation
Ririe, Idaho – One person has died, and another was seriously injured following a helicopter crash on the ice at Ririe Reservoir Thursday afternoon, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash occurred at approximately 4:40 p.m., about one mile east of the Ririe Dam.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene and utilized snow machines from the Juniper Campground area to reach the crash site.
Upon arrival, crews discovered two occupants inside the wreckage.
One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second occupant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported via ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.
Authorities also discovered a downed power line near the crash site, prompting safety concerns.
“Deputies have closed Ririe Reservoir and the surrounding area due to downed power lines and unstable ice conditions,” the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release. “The circumstances surrounding why the helicopter was in that area are still being confirmed, and the investigation remains ongoing.”
Several emergency agencies responded to the scene, including:
- Idaho Falls Fire Department
- Jefferson Central Fire Department
- Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
- Idaho Fish and Game
- Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue
- Bonneville County Fire Ammon Division
- Bonneville County Coroner’s Office
- Dive Rescue and Drone Teams
The names of the individuals involved have not yet been released, pending family notification. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and will oversee the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Authorities urge the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Further updates will be provided as more details become available.
Local News
Suspended Dearborn Ford worker Thomas Sabula received more than $320K after Trump flips him off
DEARBORN, Mich. — A suspended Ford Motor Company employee has become the focus of national attention after a confrontation with former President Donald Trump during a visit to a Dearborn assembly plant, prompting an outpouring of public support that has raised more than $324,000 for his family through an online fundraiser.
The worker, Thomas “TJ” Sabula, a 40-year-old United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 member, was placed on suspension pending an internal investigation following an exchange that occurred while Trump was touring the facility.
According to video later obtained and published by TMZ, an off-camera voice can be heard shouting “pedophile protector” at the former president, an apparent reference to the administration’s handling of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
In the footage, Trump appears to mouth an expletive and make a hand gesture before walking away.
The Washington Post subsequently identified Sabula as the individual who made the remark.
In an interview with the newspaper, Sabula confirmed that he was suspended after the incident and said he believes the action amounts to political retaliation.
“As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,” Sabula told The Post. “But I am concerned about my job. I believe I’ve been targeted for political retribution for embarrassing him in front of his friends.”
Sabula, who describes himself as politically independent, said he has never voted for Trump, though he has supported Republican candidates in the past.
In the days following the incident, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist Sabula and his family during his suspension.
The campaign states that Sabula is “a father of two young children, a husband, and a proud UAW Local 600 line worker,” and that the funds will be used to help cover household and living expenses “during this time of uncertainty.” Donations quickly surged past $100,000, with notable contributions reportedly made by the rock band Dropkick Murphys.
Supporters have characterized Sabula’s actions as a form of protest and free expression, while others have questioned whether his conduct violated workplace policies.
Ford Motor Company and union representatives have not publicly released details regarding the status of the internal investigation or whether disciplinary action beyond the suspension is being considered.
Following his visit to the Dearborn plant, Trump went on to deliver remarks at the Detroit Economic Club, where he had last spoken in October 2024.
The incident continues to draw attention amid broader political debate, as questions remain about workplace discipline, free speech, and the role of political expression in employment settings.