PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – The search for a missing 37 year-old Pierre man continues in the Missouri River.  The Stanley County Sheriff’s Office says officials are reducing the size of the search after talking it over with Lee Weber’s family. Weber, the Chief Deputy for the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, dove into the river Friday afternoon after his eight year-old son fell off a moving boat. The child was rescued by nearby boaters while Weber was swept downstream by the river’s powerful current.  Searches for Weber have been continual since then.

Officials used approximately 22 boats, 50 people drones and the Highway Patrol airplane Wednesday looking for Weber. The search has covered 15 miles of the river from Diver’s point, south to Antelope Creek, a distance of 15 miles. The reduced search capacity will involve boats from the Pierre Rescue Squad and drones from Hughes/Stanley County Emergency Management and the Pierre Police Department. The public is asked to be alert for possible sighting of Weber while near the River.  Anyone with information should contact Pierre police at 773-4710.

A GoFundMe account has been set up by friends of Weber.