Samantha Weigel, 40, from Syracuse was found dead Friday after suffering serious head and neck injuries while on a hike around the island, according to a release Sunday from the Utah Department of Natural Resources.
She had been dropped off to hike by herself around 6 a.m. Friday and was reported missing by friends and family after she didn’t return at the pre-determined time. At about 6 p.m., the Utah Department of Public Safety and Davis County Search and Rescue began the search. A helicopter crew spotted her from the air near Elephant Head and Split Rock Bay at about 7 p.m.
Upon arrival, the medical examiner confirmed Weigel was dead and noted that foul play wasn’t expected, though her death remains under investigation. Members of the Davis County Search and Rescue team recovered her body around 11 p.m.
The woman appeared to have died from falling and hitting her head, a Utah State Parks spokesperson told FOX 13.
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