WILLARD BAY, Utah, Aug. 6, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The body of missing swimmer Robert Mittendorf, who went under the water in Willard Bay, has been recovered.
“Sadly, we can confirm that he was located and recovered this morning,” Lindsay Higbee, Utah Department of Natural Resources, said in a message Tuesday to Gephardt Daily.
“One of our rangers found him in the far southeast corner of an area referred to as Freeway Bay.”
Mittendorf, a 51-year-old Weber County resident, had been swimming near a small boat with his son when a sudden rain and wind storm hit after 8 p.m. Saturday.
His son managed to make it back to the boat, near the South Marina, but Mittendorf did not.
By the time his son could get to Mittendorf’s area, he had disappeared under the water.
Dispatch was alerted to the emergency by 8:55 p.m. Saturday, and crews from multiple agencies responded. Murky water was among the factors hampering officials during the multi-day search.
Agencies responding included Utah State Parks, the Willard City Police, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Division of Outdoor Recreation rangers, Utah Department of Public Safety, and Box Elder and Weber County Search and Rescue teams.
“The Utah Division of State Parks extends our deepest condolences to Mittendorf’s family and friends during this difficult time,” says a statement later released.
“We also express our sincere gratitude to the agencies that assisted in the search and recovery efforts. Their dedication and coordinated efforts were instrumental in bringing closure to this tragic incident.
“As the recreation season continues, we urge all outdoor recreators to prioritize safety. Always recreate with a buddy, wear a life jacket, and remain aware of weather conditions. Ensure someone knows your location and expected return time. For more information on water safety and Utah’s state parks, visit stateparks.utah.gov.”
