CACHE COUNTY, Utah, May 28, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Cache County Sheriff’s officials have identified the teenager who drowned Friday while swimming with about 40 young people in the Hyrum Reservoir.
The deceased was 18-year-old Judd Joseph Miller, of Garland.
The group was in an area called Big Toe, just east of the Hyrum Dam. Miller did a flip off a cliff, but over-or under-rotated, and hit the water’s surface hard, on his stomach.
After rising to the surface for a brief moment he slipped back below the water. When he failed to resurface, diver after diver entered the water in a series of frenzied but futile rescue attempts.
Emergency responders from the Cache County Sheriff’s Office responded to 911 calls within four minutes and began searching for the missing swimmer.
The body was found about 8:15 p.m. Friday.
The Miller family has published the following obituary:
“Judd Joseph Miller was suddenly called home to his Heavenly Father on May 25, 2018 while swimming with friends at Hyrum Reservoir. He was born October 22, 1999 in Logan, Utah to Kirk and Marie Miller. He was raised in North Garland with his four older siblings.
“Judd was full of life. He loved sports, especially football and basketball, and earned All Region awards in football and track.
“After years of attempts, he recently learned to do a standing back flip, which he was quite proud of. He also loved music, dancing, and was a talented artist.
“Judd was a dedicated student, soon to graduate from Bear River High School, where he earned academic scholarships and awards. He worked hard and he played hard. He had a great sense of humor and never tired of making others laugh. His contagious smile, laughter, and uplifting spirit will truly be missed. Judd was loving, happy, respectful, and a friend to everyone. His enthusiasm and positivity rubbed off on others.
“Judd was a member of the East Garland Ward in the LDS Church. He earned his Duty to God Award and had an amazing testimony of Jesus Christ. He was excited to serve an LDS mission in Pachuca, Mexico to teach people about the Gospel. God has now reassigned him to a different mission….
“The family would like to thank those who gave all they had in his final moments. Viewings will be Wednesday evening, May 30, from 5-8 p.m. and Thursday morning, May 31, from 9-10:30 a.m. Services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. All will be held at the Garland Tabernacle (140 W. Factory).
“In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to the LDS Church General Mission Fund.”
Wishing his friends and family strength to endure and comfort to ease their pain during this very sad time.