Body of missing Utah hiker found in Bell Canyon falls
Published at
Pat Reavy, KSL
SANDY, UT (KSL) — The body of a 22-year-old man who fell Sunday while hiking Bells Canyon was found on Monday.
The pilot of a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter spotted Siaosi Brown, 22, of Taylorsville, in the lower falls of Bells Canyon about 8:30 a.m. His body was trapped on some logs in the middle of the waterfall, said Unified Police Lt. Brian Lohrke.
As of midday, search and rescue crews were still working to recovery the body. Lohrke said because of where the body was trapped, combined with the rushing water, made it one of the most technical rescues the team has ever been involved with.
Brown was hiking with two friends in Bells Canyon Sunday. He was above the first waterfall and attempting to cross a portion of the stream by jumping across it when he slipped, fell in and was swept away.
Search and rescue teams looked for him in the dark late Sunday night before being forced to call off the search until Monday morning. Sandy and Unified fire crews also responded to the canyon to assist.
About 100 friends and family members of Brown gathered about 5 a.m. to assist in the search. Others posted tributes on social media after news spread that his body had been found.
“I love my family and don’t know what I would do without them. Waking up today and hearing the heartbreaking news about Siaosi Brown breaks my heart. He was seriously the life of the party. My heart hurts for his family,” one person wrote.
“He was a GREAT person, example, cousin and friend to my kids, especially my daughter,” wrote another. “I know you’re dancing in heaven for our grandparents my dear cousin Siaosi. … thankful for the gospel and the Plan of Salvation. … May we ever put our trust in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ … till we meet again.”
“I didn’t know Siaosi Brown very well, but the few times I was around him he was always a fun, humble and most importantly kind-hearted individual. The world needs more people like him,” another man posted on Facebook.
Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.