Cougar attack and deceased man in Diamond Fork

cougar on brown rock formation Photo: Photo by Priscilla Du Preez

UTAH COUNTY, Utah — The Utah County Sheriff’s office has responded to two serious but unrelated incidents in Diamond Fork up Spanish Fork Canyon over the last two days.

On Thursday April 27 a 70 year old Spanish Fork man was attacked by a Cougar in Diamond Fork around 1 p.m. The man suffered lacerations on arms and head, but was able to escaped. He was treated at Spanish Fork Hospital and is in fair condition. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is looking for the cougar and authorities are asking people to avoid being outdoors in the Diamond Fork area or exercise caution while in that area.

On Friday April 28 Utah County Sheriff’s Office and Utah County Search and Rescue responded to a report of man not conscious or breathing at Fifth Water Hot Springs in Diamond Fork. The victim could not be revived. UCS is investigating this death and has said this incident is not related to the nearby cougar attack yesterday.