Yellowstone River drowning victim from Laurel identified [Video]

A Laurel woman died earlier this week after being swept away by the current in the Yellowstone River just west of her hometown.

Nichole Blumenshine drowned July 14, Yellowstone County Deputy Coroner Valerie Juhl said Wednesday. The 38-year-old was pulled from the river by a boater in the area, but was pronounced dead by first responders when they reached the scene.

The same day her body was found, Blumenshine went into the water at Sportsman Park. The fishing access site, also known as Buffalo Mirage, sits between Park City and Laurel. She and at least one other person entered the river together, Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder said. The man who was swimming with Blumenshine managed to get back to shore, but she was caught by the current.

Linder could not …