BRIGHTON, Utah, June 17, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — Unified Police have identified the 15-year-old swimmer from Sandy who reportedly jumped from a rock cliff at Lake Mary, struck her head on the way down, and did not resurface.
Anya Ng, who was with a group of teen friends and acquaintances, was reported to have gone under the water at about 4:30 Friday. Witnesses told officers that after Ng’s head hit the protruding rock, her body went limp before she disappeared into the lake.
Those near the girl jumped in to try to save her, but they were unable to due to the frigid temperature of the water, which prevented them from staying in the lake for very long.
Det. Ken Hansen, of the Unified Police Department, said the teen’s body was recovered by divers at 8 p.m. in about 18 feet of water.
Hansen held back tears as he discussed the emotional impact of the discovery had on the girl’s friends and family, and others who had looked for her.
“It’s tough on the searchers, especially those that found her. We had hoped they would find her alive, but unfortunately she passed away apparently when she went under the water or when she hit the ground,” Hansen said. “It’s just such a tragic accident, and so unfortunate for the family.”
Her immediate family was at the scene for several hours after the accident. They stayed at the site until crews brought the teen’s body down from the canyon.
Lake Mary is in Big Cottonwood Canyon, south of the Brighton Ski Resort. The lake is on a trail that is popular with hikers, but the water is too cold this time of year for swimmers. Hansen said the water is about 36 degrees during the month of June.
Lake Mary is in the watershed and is posted “no swimming”. Regardless of water temperature, none should be in the water, ever.