CRIME

Group of kids playing soccer discover human remains in West Valley

Apr 27, 2018, 10:26 PM | Updated: Apr 28, 2018, 1:13 am

WEST VALLEY, Utah – A group of children playing soccer went on hunt to find their lost ball, and discovered human remains instead.

“It was creepy, but at the same time it was exciting,” 9-year-old Celso Agular said.

Agular was one of five children, ages 5 to 13, playing soccer outside a trailer home near 2700 S. 2500 West, when the ball was kicked over a fence, he said.

“When we kicked it went all the way into the river,” Agular said.

That “river” was actually a canal that channels into West Valley’s Decker Lake. Agular and his friends said it looked like a “shoe with a bone sticking out of it,” but weren’t sure if it was real.

“We told our biggest brother. He said that it could be something from Halloween, and he didn’t believe us, so we didn’t tell anybody,” Agular said.

A couple of days later, Agular said he told his mother what he saw, and she went to investigate. She discovered the bones were real, then called 911, the 9-year-old said.

Officers responded and found what appeared to be human remains caught in a pile of debris in the middle of the canal, where the aqueduct flows under I-215 and feeds into Decker Lake, West Valley City Police Department spokeswoman Roxeanne Vainuku said.

The next day, on April 23, the Utah State Dive Team recovered the remains of what appeared to be an adult male, according to Vainuku. The Medical Examiner’s Office is working on a DNA match, and height and age range.

Detectives attempted to find any further remains a few days later with a cadaver dog team but did not find anything.

Agular said, “It’s actually good that we found it because… we helped them find someone that died.”

Related: Children find human remains in West Valley City

KSL 5 TV Live

Crime

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

2 hours ago

Kia has recalled 427,407 of its Telluride SUVs because they can roll away while in park....

Samantha Delouya, CNN

Kia recalls more than 400,000 Telluride SUVs that can move while in park

All Telluride vehicles made between 2020 and 2023 and certain 2024 models are affected by the recall.

5 hours ago

Chad Daybell and his attorney, John Prior, appear in a hearing on Oct. 29, 2020...

Larry D. Curtis

Gag order issued for upcoming Chad Daybell murder trial

With jury selection only days away in the murder trial of former Utahn Chad Guy Daybell, the court has issued a gag order concerning the case.

6 hours ago

A previous drug bust where authorities found Fentanyl....

Brianna Chavez

DEA says fentanyl seizure on track to surpass last year’s numbers

A troubling trend for law enforcement as the DEA says more fentanyl is making its way to Utah.

7 hours ago

The rollover crash that caused a suspected robber's car to catch on fire on I-15....

Eliza Pace and Andrew Adams, KSL TV

Car fleeing from carjacking attempt rolls and bursts into flames on I-15

A car rolled and burst into flames on the ramp from 201 to Interstate 15 after fleeing from an attempted robbery, police said.

10 hours ago

Loren Richardson shoots video of him snowboarding when a Brighton man confronted him on Feb. 26. Th...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Brighton resident charged with threatening, pointing shotgun at snowboarder

A Brighton man was charged Thursday with aggravated assault and accused of pointing a shotgun at a backcountry skier who went on his property on Feb. 26.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Group of kids playing soccer discover human remains in West Valley