SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah, Dec. 31, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office says the body of an overdue hiker has been recovered from the Porter Fork Trail area in Millcreek Canyon.
The man who died was David Ethier, 38, from Canada.
On Saturday, “Mr. Ethier was out hiking with his dog when an avalanche swept him under the snow,” a statement from the Sheriff’s Office says.
“Sightings of his dog were reported after the incident. The dog was later recovered by a good Samaritan on Sunday, Dec. 29. This directed authorities back to Mr. Ethier. His car was found at the Porter Fork trailhead and contact with the family indicated his return was overdue.”
Search and rescue operations initiated a search operation immediately.
“A three-day search concluded with Tuesday’s recovery of Mr. Ethier’s body,” says the SLCo Sheriff Department’s statement, issued late Tuesday afternoon.
Sheriff Rosie Rivera expressed condolences and gratitude to rescue partners and Search and Rescue volunteers.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” she said in the released statement. “Our hearts go out to the family as they grieve the loss of their loved one.”
According to a press release from the Utah Avalanche Center an avalanche warning was issued for the mountains of northern Utah from Friday, December 27, through Tuesday, December 31.
“The avalanche danger was rated as HIGH as a strong winter storm delivered heavy snowfall and strong winds. The victim was presumably caught in the avalanche on Saturday, though the exact timing remains uncertain as he was traveling alone,” the UAC press release said.
