BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah — A search and rescue effort for a Cache County teen at Cutler Dam Canal was found dead from apparent drowning, authorities confirm Tuesday evening.
Box Elder County Communications Center received the call of a possible drowning at about 5:50 p.m. An 18-year-old man was one of six young adults in the area fishing and swimming, according to a press release from Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office.
Four of the individuals were in the canal swimming and as they floated down the canal, the release states, they planned to grab onto an overhead flume.
“One individual missed the flume and floated down the canal,” according to the release.
The victim’s companions watched the him go under and appeared to be in distress, the release states.
Water to the canal was shut down in an effort to search for the man.
“The Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim,” the release states.
The sheriff’s office added while these incidents are distressing, they are avoidable.
“These canals are private property and swimming in them is dangerous and against the law as it is trespassing,” the release states.
Authorities urge all individuals to stay out of these canals. If someone is caught, officials say, they will likely be prosecuted for criminal trespassing.
The victim’s name is not being released until all family has been notified.
Along with the sheriff’s office, Box Elder County Scuba Team, Search and Rescue and Fielding Fire Department are involved in the search.
