Summit County Search and Rescue recovers body of missing kayaker at Echo Reservoir

Echo Reservoir Photo: DWR

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — The body of a kayaker who had gone missing was recovered from Echo Reservoir by Search and Rescue teams Tuesday evening. The man’s adult son reported him missing shortly before 5:30 p.m., according to a release from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. He was last seen around 4:30 p.m.

Search and Rescue teams from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office were immediately deployed and began search efforts with assistance from the Department of Natural Resources law enforcement and Wasatch County Search and Rescue. Crews used sonar technology to assist in their search, which extended late into the night.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the body of the missing man was located and recovered from the reservoir.

The victim has been identified as a 56-year-old resident of Salt Lake County. The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will ultimately determine the official cause and manner of death.

“The Summit County Sheriff’s Office extends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim, and to all those affected by this tragic incident,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a statement. “We also extend our thanks to Wasatch County Search and Rescue, the Department of Natural Resources law enforcement, North Summit Fire District, and all other partner agencies who assisted in the search and recovery effort.”

Reservoir recreation safety tips

With cold weather setting in, temperatures at Utah reservoirs will be dropping. Utah state park officials recommend all water recreators wear their life jackets when on the water as well as follow these additional precautions:

• Check the weather and water temperature.
• Recreate with a buddy. Don’t venture out alone.
• If you fall in the water remain calm and try to stay afloat. Adequate breathing should follow as long as you can stay calm.
• Focus on meaningful movements, such as getting back in the boat or to shore.
• Carry a cell phone in a waterproof container.