The body of a woman was found on January 20, 2024, by Wayne County Search and Rescue.
The body was found at approximately 11:06 a.m. by two members of the WCSR motorcycle team, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office shared in a statement. The location was near the Fremont River, half a mile away from state Route 24.
An on-scene investigation was conducted. However, “a positive identification of the body could not be made given the condition of the remains,” according to the sheriff’s office. The body was taken to the Utah Medical Examiner to determine the woman’s identity and cause of death.
WCSO had conducted several missing person searches starting on December 27, 2023. These included search by drone, DPS helicopter, ground, six motorcycle teams, side-by-side and four-wheeler, vehicle, five cadaver K9 teams from Rocky Mountain Search and Rescue, and three teams on horseback. Social media posts later revealed to the public that a 46-year-old Tennessee woman had walked away from her Porsche just off Route 24 near Hanksville.
Until they receive verification from the medical examiner’s office, WCSO cannot confirm whether this is the body of the woman who went missing.
The sheriff’s office thanks the Utah Highway Patrol, helicopter pilot and crew, private citizens, deputies, and search and rescue volunteers for their selfless dedication of time and effort.
– The Byway
Feature image courtesy of Wayne County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook.