Missing Spanish Fork man found dead near Spanish Fork Peak

SPANISH FORK, Utah (ABC4) — The body of a missing Spanish Fork man was found Saturday just east of Spanish Fork City, according to a news release from city officials.

The man – identified as Joshua Clarke – had been missing since March 13, 2024, according to Lt. Cory Slaymaker of the Spanish Fork Police Department.

LEARN MORE: What to do if someone disappears?

Officials said a family member was searching the “Spanish Fork Peak mountain area” and using a drone. During their search, they found what they believed to be the body of Joshua Clarke.

Clarke's body was found in the area with the assistance of a Department of Public Safety helicopter and the Utah County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team. The body was then sent to the Utah State Medical Examiner, where an autopsy and positive identification were performed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clarke family during this difficult time,” Slaymaker said in the statement. “We thank all the volunteers who have helped with the search over the past two months in an attempt to locate Joshua Clarke.”

What to do when talking to law enforcement about a missing person

More than 600,000 people disappear each year in the United States, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Here are some suggestions to keep in mind if someone you know disappears.

Utah officials suggest taking notes on interactions with law enforcement to keep track of details such as officers' names, dates and times of interactions, case number and what the officers say. agents.

When working with local law enforcement to report a missing person, it is recommended that you share as much information about the missing person as possible, including but not limited to:

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