Overdue hiker found dead in Big Cottonwood Canyon, now identified

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS – A man who was reported overdue from a hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon was found dead Monday morning.

Brittany Karzen, a spokeswoman for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office said search and rescue crews spent the night and morning looking for the 80-year-old man in the Lake Blanche Trail area after his wife called police Sunday night.

Karzen told KSL TV that the man reportedly fell “a great distance,” possibly 50 feet, while hiking near Sundial Peak on Sunday. His body was located around 9:30 a.m. Monday and crews were working to recover his body.

On Tuesday, authorities identified the victim as Mohammad Abdullah. Family members described the man as a very experienced hiker who was familiar with the area and trails.

Also on Tuesday, authorities said Abdullah fell more than 200 feet.

Breaking: an 80 or so yr old hiker found dead up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Search and Rescue been on scene all morning. Salt lake county sheriff dept telling me he fell. More info to follow. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/QBZK3DnGB6

— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) July 1, 2024

“These are always tragic, our hearts go out to the family,” Karzen said. “We know that it’s always a struggle to lose someone you love, and we know it’s a very popular time to be in the canyon and we just encourage everyone to be safe.”

Other hikers impacted

For fellow hikers and sisters Jan Nye and Sue Powers, hiking the mountains is what gives them life and energy. When they left for their hike toward Lake Blanche Monday morning, search and rescue crews told them to be on the lookout for the hiker. When they returned several hours later, they learned that he had been found dead.

Both became emotional as they spoke of how that impacted them.

“A fellow hiker, a fellow human being, he died in the mountains doing what he loved,” Nye said.

“I feel so bad for the family,” Powers said.

With the Fourth of July holiday later this week, search and rescue crews are expecting to be kept busy and want to remind hikers to be safe.

“We know it’s a very popular time in the canyons, and we just encourage everyone to be safe, be prepared when they get out here. Wear the correct shoes, bring water, and also be careful around those rushing water areas,” Karzen said.