SALT LAKE CITY - Unified Police confirmed that a body found in Neffs Canyon Wednesday night is that of a missing 80-year-old Millcreek Man.
Police say two hikers found Fritz Helland's body near a stream up Neffs Canyon. Lt Justin Hoyal with Unified Police said hikers found his body at 6:15 p.m.
Helland was last seen a week ago and was reported missing Friday.
Unified Police say the body was located about 1.5 miles up Neffs Canyon Trail. The trailhead is above Olympus Cove near 4500 South.
Hoyal said Helland's family was notified after they made a positive identification.
"The sheriff had gone over to visit with the family," said Hoyal. "One of the things the family really wanted to express to the community was their gratefulness for their support and their help in searching for their father. It has really helped them get through this tough time."
Hoyal says Helland was walking his dog when he went missing. His dog was also found dead with him.
"My sense is that he's fallen off an incline, off the trail that has some angle to it," said UPD Sheriff Jim Winder.
Unified Police will continue their investigation to determine the exact cause of Helland's death.
Winder says it was interesting to note that Helland's family spent part of Saturday looking for him in Neffs Canyon. They told police Helland frequently hiked the Neffs Canyon trail with his deceased wife.
