Missing kayaker identified after body found at Little Dell Reservoir

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Crews have recovered the body of a missing kayaker after she was seen falling into the waters of Little Dell Reservoir east of Salt Lake City.

The individual has been identified as Hailey Mason, 29, a resident of Salt Lake City.

The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office said Mason was found around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, hours after passersby reported hearing cries for help from a woman in distress on the water.

Witnesses called 911 around 2 p.m. after spotting Mason in difficulty outside her kayak. Despite attempts to reach her, she disappeared beneath the surface.

Multiple agencies participated in the search, including the Salt Lake County and Wasatch County sheriff's offices and Utah State Park rangers.

Three boats equipped with sonar technology were deployed to locate Mason, according to the sheriff's office.

Mason was in possession of a life jacket, which was recovered along with the rest of her belongings during the search, although authorities have not said whether she was wearing it when she fell into the water.

“Thank you to the wonderful search and rescue volunteers and our partners,” Rivera said in a statement Wednesday morning. “This outcome is tragic and our thoughts are with the family as they grieve this loss.”

Rivera told 2News Tuesday afternoon that weather conditions had hampered the search.

“The wind has changed the direction of the water significantly since we arrived, which could shift the location of the person if they fell into the water,” she said.

The sheriff's office urged summer recreationists Wednesday to arrive prepared for their activities – with an emphasis on using flotation devices in rivers and lakes.

“If you are going out alone, let someone know your plans and expected return time,” according to a statement from SLCSO.

The incident comes during a busy period for local search and rescue teams, with multiple responses so far this season.

Rivera urged the public to consider the strain this may put on the state's volunteer search and rescue teams.

“We’re wearing them out,” she said. “In the last two days alone, they’ve been absent several times.”

“They’re going to keep coming,” Rivera said Tuesday. “We’re going to keep coming. Our canyon cars are prepared for that. But you’ve got to do your part, too.”