A 29-year-old Salt Lake City woman’s remains were recovered from Little Dell Reservoir late Tuesday, hours after she went missing in the water, officials announced this week.
Hailey Mason had been kayaking at the reservoir on Tuesday afternoon before authorities suspect she drowned. She disappeared sometime around 2 p.m. after bystanders heard her call for help from outside her kayak, according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The bystanders tried swimming to her aid, but Mason vanished under the water and didn’t resurface. They called 911, prompting Canyon Patrol deputies to respond, who then called in Search and Rescue dive crews.
Together, search and rescue divers from Salt Lake and Wasatch counties as well as Utah State Park rangers began an extensive search for Mason. Operating three boats equipped with sonar technology, they found her her remains at about 9:45 p.m., officials said.
Her kayak, life vest and other belongings were also recovered.
“This outcome is tragic and our hearts are with the family as they mourn this loss,” Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said in a statement early Wednesday.
The sheriff’s office advised people planning to recreate on the water this summer to plan ahead. That includes using floatation devices and sharing your location and expected return time with someone before you head out.