Teen drowns at CJ Strike trying to rescue younger brother

The body of 13-year-old Eric Allen of Caldwell, was recovered from the water at C.J. Strike Reservoir on Thursday, March 29.

Step-brothers Tristan Anderson, 6, and Eric Allen, 13, were riding their bikes at the reservoir on Wednesday, March 28, when the tragedy occurred.

As they were riding their bikes down a hill onto a slight incline of a boat dock near Black Sands Resort, Tristan, who did not have a lot of experience riding a bike, could not stop and went into the water. Eric jumped into the water after him.

Their uncle, Mike (his last name was not provided by authorities) heard Eric yelling and went to where the boys had gone in the water. Mike jumped into the water and retrieved Tristan.

After pressing on his chest and stomach a few times, Tristan looked up, and Mike went back into the water for Eric.

Mike went back into the water two times, but could not find Eric.

The Owyhee County sheriff's department began searching for Eric at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday night.

Divers arrived at the scene around 8 p.m., but due to the extreme winds, the darkness and the poor clarity of the water, divers had to postpone the search for their own safety.

The search resumed Thursday morning as a recovery operation.

Eric Allen's body was recovered by a private diver about 15 feet from the dock where Eric had entered the water the previous day.

Owyhee County Sheriff Gary Aman said that he "greatly appreciates the personnel and equipment assistance" they received from the Elmore County Sheriff's Department, which provided its marine resources to assist in the search for the victim. "That's how county sheriff offices are suppose to work," he said.