MILLCREEK, Utah — The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue team confirms the body belongs to the missing hiker after being caught in an avalanche with his dog over the weekend.
The hiker, 38-year-old David Ethier of Canada, was with his dog who was found alive notifying search and rescue crews to investigate the surrounding area.
The body was retrieved after being dug out from the snow, and the dog was rescued.
The sheriff's office received reports late Sunday night about a hiker who did not return at the expected time. They began a search but had to suspend it when weather conditions got bad.
The search resumed Monday morning in the area around the Porter Fork Trail. Around 6:30 p.m., the sheriff's office announced that they would again have to call it off due to weather conditions.
The search and rescue group had snowmobiles. However, they said the weather conditions are making it harder for their team.
"This is a heartbreaking tragedy," Sheriff Rivera said. "Our hearts go out to the family as they grieve the loss of their loved one."
