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‘Find MacKenzie and bring her home’: Lueck family makes statement

Posted at 2:45 PM, Jun 24, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-25 00:02:29-04

SALT LAKE CITY — The family of MacKenzie Lueck addressed the public for the first time since she was reported missing.

"Our primary goal is to find Mackenzie and bring her home. Her family is grateful for the concern, prayers and the tireless efforts of the Salt Lake City Police and members of the community," they said in a statement released Monday.

Police in Salt Lake City said Lueck, a University of Utah student reported missing last week, left the park where Lyft dropped her off with someone who had come to meet her the day she fell off the grid.

Asst. Chief Tim Doubt, Salt Lake City Police, said Lueck took a Lyft to Hatch Park in North Salt Lake after landing in Salt Lake City International Airport around 2 a.m. Monday the 17th and arrived at the park at about 3 a.m.

Doubt said the Lyft driver reported Lueck met someone at that park, who had arrived in a vehicle.  He said the driver reported that "MacKenzie did not appear to be in any kind of distress" when she was picked up.

No details about the vehicle or a description of the person she met are available at this time.

"At this time there is no evidence that any harm has come to her. However, because of the circumstances of the case, we want to make sure that she is all right," Doubt said.

Police have tried to locate the woman through her phone, which is turned off, but said that has not been successful. They are interviewing those known to her and searching areas she frequents.

A dedicated tip line has been set up specifically for MacKenzie Lueck. Call 801-799-4420 and reference case 19-11129.

Timeline of MacKenzie Lueck disappearance:

  • Early morning June 17: Flew into Salt Lake City from Los Angeles after attending funeral.
  • 1:30 a.m.: Texted parents telling them she landed.
  • 2:42 a.m.: Took a Lyft from the airport to Hatch Park in North Salt Lake.
  • 2:49 a.m. Arrived at Hatch Park
  • 4:00 p.m. June 20, parents reported her missing when she failed to show at a midterm exam.

Detectives spoke with Fox 13 Monday about the status of the case so far. Click here for details.

Fox 13 News will update this story as more details emerge.

Monday's full press conference: