New details released after Bear Lake boating accident leaves mother of 3 without both legs

BEAR LAKE — A mother of three who lost both of her legs in a boating accident at Bear Lake over the weekend remains hospitalized in stable condition.

The woman, who is in her mid-30s, was struck by a boat propeller while tubing Saturday on the Idaho side of the lake. She was pulled beneath the boat and struck by the propeller, “resulting in catastrophic injuries and the traumatic bilateral amputation of both of her legs,” according to a GoFundMe page.

Deputies say bystanders on the beach rushed to help and applied tourniquets to her injuries before first responders arrived.

“These actions ultimately saved her life,” the Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement posted on social media.

The woman was flown to the hospital, where she has undergone multiple surgeries and is beginning what her family describes as a long road of recovery and rehabilitation. She has three children, ages 16, 8 and 2, and her husband, children, and loved ones are “navigating the overwhelming emotional, physical, and financial challenges that come with a life-changing injury,” the GoFundMe says.

“Our hope is to ease as much of that burden as possible so this family can focus on what matters most: healing, recovery, and being together,” organizers wrote on the fundraiser. “If you are unable to give financially, the family simply asks that you keep this mother, her children, and everyone who loves them in your thoughts and prayers.”

The Bear Lake Sheriff’s Office says it has remained in contact with the family, who asked for privacy as they focus on the woman’s recovery.