PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2026
NAMPA MAN DIES AFTER JUMPING INTO CANAL NEAR LAKE LOWELL LOWER DAM
Canyon County, ID – At approximately 5:00 p.m. on July 5, Canyon County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a report of a possible drowning at the Lake Lowell Lower Dam Spillway. The reporting party stated that a 49-year-old male dove into the canal near Hoadley Rd and had not resurfaced.
Multiple agencies, including the Caldwell Fire Department, Caldwell Police Department, Ada County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), and Idaho Mountain Search and Rescue, responded to assist. At approximately 8:30 p.m., the body of the male was recovered by the ACSO Dive Team. The male has been identified as Mark E. Steves, age 49, of Nampa.
The preliminary investigation indicates Steves jumped from the bridge on Hoadley Rd, landing headfirst in a shallow section of the canal with a concrete bottom and sustaining a significant head injury. Investigators believe the injury contributed to his inability to escape the water, resulting in drowning. At this time, no foul play is suspected.
“Our thoughts are with Steves’s family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him during this difficult time,” said Sheriff Kieran Donahue. “While the investigation remains ongoing, all available information indicates this was a tragic accident.”
CCSO wants to remind everyone to stay safe and exercise extra caution when in or around irrigation canals and waterways.
No additional information is available at this time.
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For questions, please contact Canyon County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Joe Decker at (208) 455-6090.