Body of woman recovered from Little Dell Reservoir
Jul 3, 2024, 7:21 AM | Updated: 12:35 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Crews have recovered the body of a 29-year-old woman who drowned while kayaking at Little Dell Reservoir.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office said bystanders called 911 around 2 p.m. Tuesday after the woman, identified as Hailey Mason, of Salt Lake City, cried out for help while outside her kayak.
Bystanders attempted to swim out and assist Mason, but she went under the water and did not resurface.
Search and rescue teams from Salt Lake and Wasatch counties, along with Utah State Park rangers, responded to the reservoir and located Mason’s body using three boats with sonar technology before 10 p.m. Tuesday.
“It took several hours – probably about seven hours — maybe a little bit longer, to get all the equipment there. This is the second death in Salt Lake County that search and rescue has had to go out and recover,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera.
Crews said Mason’s kayak, life vest and other belongings were also recovered. Rivera described conditions Tuesday on the water as relatively calm.
“The wind continued to shift, but the water on the lake was much calmer than a river,” Rivera said.
She said Mason was alone at the reservoir and, as of Wednesday afternoon, they do not know what caused Mason to fall into the water.
Officials urged Utahns to use proper floatation devices while out on the water this summer and during the 4th of July holiday and to let someone know your plans and expected return time if going out alone.
“With our technology nowadays, we can send a pin to your family member to the exact location, and many times, it’s very helpful to have a partner whether they could help call 9-1-1 if you’ve fallen and you’re hurt or they may be able to help you,” Rivera said.
