Jory Thomas, 14, is being applauded for using his rodeo lasso to rescue a man in peril after the latter’s boat turned over in the Yellowstone River, Montana. On July 5, Thomas was camping with his family near Greycliff. According to CBS affiliate KTQV, the teen heard cries for help from the river, seeing several individuals trying to make it to the bank.

A raft and paddleboard had struck a bridge pillar and overturned, reports People.

Knowing first responders might not arrive in time, resident Thomas waded chest-deep into a side channel and successfully rescued a man using a lasso. Thomas caught the victim around the neck and arm on his first throw to pull him ashore. Emergency crews arrived shortly after, following a 911 call placed by another witness’s father.

Investigators and observers are zeroing in on a key detail: despite visiting the campsite frequently, Thomas had never brought his lariat along until the 2026 Fourth of July weekend. According to Jory’s grandmother, Sandy Thomas, the 12-foot rope was typically used by Thomas to practice on cattle dummies.

According to KTVQ, Jory said, “I just thought I could help with cattle. Not really helping humans and stuff like that. But I’m glad I was here to help.” He also revealed, “I actually started really getting into roping this year. I went to brandings and started roping cattle then, and I started getting better.”

After pulling the man to the shore, Jory believed that God had guided him to and through the rescue. He said, “God was basically putting me in the place of all this. God was just telling me all of this at the time and saying, ‘Go get him, you got it, and I believe in you.”

On Tuesday, July 21, Sweet Grass County Sheriff Alan Ronneberg and Undersheriff Ron Swanson presented Thomas with a Certificate of Achievement for his rescue, as announced by the Sheriff’s Office on Facebook. Montana Sen. Steve Daines also recognized the teen as Montanan of the Month.

A part of his statement read, “Jory demonstrated quick thinking and coolness under pressure, with bravery far beyond his years. His friends and family say that he has always been kind and helpful, and he is a true example of the Montana spirit.”

Disclaimer: Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available.