Three Heroes Honored for Saving Family from Arrowrock Reservoir

On March 7, a family of four from Star was traveling along Arrowrock Road when their vehicle rolled down an embankment and plunged into Arrowrock Reservoir below. Without hesitation, three nearby individuals—Paige Tekippe, Timothy Tekippe and Alan Kindall—dove into the freezing water to attempt a rescue. The Tekippes swam directly to the sinking vehicle while Kindall assisted in pulling the two survivors to shore. Their efforts saved the life of a young child and directly helped the mother escape the submerged truck. However, the father, Keith Berger, and a toddler, Decker Berger, died in the crash. On Friday, Idaho State Police honored the three rescuers with plaques during a ceremony, recognizing them for the courage, selflessness and commitment to others they demonstrated that day. "They risked their lives without hesitation," said ISP Capt. Michael Winans. The community has rallied around the surviving family—a GoFundMe established for funeral, memorial and immediate living expenses has raised nearly $100,000 in donations. The rescue highlighted both the dangers of Idaho's waterways and the critical importance of quick action in emergencies. Boise County Search and Rescue officials have noted the region lacks its own dive team, forcing them to rely on neighboring counties—delays that can determine whether an emergency becomes a rescue or a recovery.