03/06/2026
In the Garden Valley Area
🕵️‍♂️Attempt to Locate – Garden Valley Area🫆
The Boise County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate and check the welfare of John Barmettler, age 67.
On June 1, 2026, kayakers spotted Barmettler’s vehicle down a steep embankment near milepost 4 on South Fork Road, close to the South Fork of the Payette River. Deputies responded and searched the vehicle for occupants, but no one was located.
Due to the vehicle’s location and the steep terrain, recovery operations could not be conducted that night. Most of June 2 was spent recovering the vehicle and canvassing the surrounding area in an effort to locate Barmettler.
Deputies determined that Barmettler was last seen at a residence on South Fork Road and was believed to be headed home but never arrived. Based on information available to deputies, Barmettler may have medical conditions that would make it difficult for him to climb out of the canyon on his own.
We are hopeful that someone may have encountered Barmettler and assisted him after the crash. At this time, however, area hospitals have no record of him as a patient. While we are hoping for the best possible outcome, there is concern that he may have entered the river during the crash.
Have you seen John Barmettler or had any contact with him since June 1? If so, please contact the Boise County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at (208) 392-4411.
