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A Columbia Falls teen is recovering in the hospital after he jumped into the Flathead River and nearly drowned.

While jumping off cliffs in the Bad Rock Canyon with friends on the afternoon of July 9, Lane Sapa came up non-responsive after doing a flip and landing in the water. He hit the water belly first, swallowed water, and began to drown.

Volunteer firefighters and EMTs tried CPR and chest compressions, but Sapa was not responsive. An ambulance brought him to Kalispell Regional Hospital, where he was put into a medically-induced coma. His lungs were flushed, a breathing tube was inserted, and antibiotics were administered to combat infection from river water.

On Tuesday, July 11, the breathing tube was removed and Sapa started breathing on his own. His aunt Charlene said he was talking a little and knew all his family members.

“He is resting and around family. They please ask to give them time and space and when he’s ready for visitors they will let everyone know,” the Blue Moon posted on its Facebook page. “Please keep the prayers and thoughts going. Thank you in advance for respecting the family’s wishes. We will continue to update when more comes. Thank you for all the support.”

On July 17, Sapa’s aunt reported that doctors expect him to make a full recovery. Last Friday, he was given a mental test and scored 40 out of 100. The next day, he got 80 out of 100, which marked a huge improvement, the doctors told the family.

Sapa is ready to get up and get out of the hospital and has been asking for his cell phone, the family reported.

The Sapa family owns the well-known Blue Moon Nite Club in Columbia Falls.