Bodies of Two Brothers Recovered at Strawberry Reservoir
Jul 28, 2019, 10:15 PM | Updated: Feb 14, 2023, 4:19 pm
WASATCH COUNTY, Utah – The search for two brothers last seen on their boat at Strawberry Reservoir is over. Search and rescue teams found the bodies of Jim Gardiner, 70, and Mark Gardiner, 61, Sunday afternoon.
The brothers had been missing since July 18. Their boat was found with the engine running and a fish still on the line of one of their fishing rods.
Authorities say they believe the Gardiner brothers drowned, although they need to wait on autopsy results to be sure.
“These brothers, they loved each other and they were helping each other,” said Wasatch County Sheriff Jared Rigby. “There was some kind of an accident that occurred on the water while they were fishing.”
The bodies of the two men were found near the Ladders area of Strawberry Reservoir following 11 days of searching by search and rescue teams from all over the state.
It was a mixture of sadness and relief for their family.
“It’s tough for the family members of course but now we have closure,” said Mike Gardiner, a younger brother. “Things are going to be ok.”
Mike Gardiner says his brothers loved life, had good hearts and cherished their family. He thanked all the search and rescue crews who spent countless hours looking for the men and finally brought them home.
“I know that they want us to move forward and be happy,” Gardiner said. “We’ll miss them.”
