A 13-year-old boy from Spirit Lake died after he was reported missing while swimming across the Spokane River in Post Falls on Saturday, Aug. 29.
Nicklas Reid Beckstead was swimming near Ironhorse Circle when he went missing, according to information released following the incident. Emergency crews responded, and members of a dive team later located him in the river.
Nicklas was taken to Kootenai Health for medical treatment, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.
His family is now grieving the loss of a child they described as deeply loved and remembered for his kindness.
“Nicklas was so loved,” the family said in a statement. They described him as someone who treated people kindly, brought smiles to those around him and cared deeply about his family and friends.
The family said they are facing an overwhelming loss and asked for privacy as they work through the aftermath of the tragedy. Nicklas is survived by his parents, three siblings, extended family and friends.
The family has also established a fundraiser to help with expenses connected to the loss. The fundraiser is intended to assist with medical costs, funeral arrangements and counseling support while the family takes time to grieve and adjust to life without Nicklas.
As of the latest update, the fundraiser had received 51 donations totaling $3,745 toward a $16,000 goal.
The family also expressed gratitude to the emergency personnel and medical staff who responded to the river and worked to locate and treat Nicklas.
For those who knew him, the loss has left a lasting impact on his family and the Spirit Lake community.
The family said Nicklas loved being surrounded by the people closest to him, and that his absence will be felt by those who knew him for years to come.
