Remains Of Missing West Virginia Hunter Recovered In Summit County

PARK CITY, Utah – The remains of a West Virginia hunter who went missing in Summit County last year have been recovered, according to Lt. Andrew Wright with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

“Our sincere condolences are with the Crumrine family and friends as they mourn the loss of Carl,” officials said. “We appreciate the many personnel, agencies and resources that worked diligently over the past year to find Carl and bring closure to his family.” 

Carl L. Crumrine, 69, was reported missing on Oct. 14, 2019, in the Lyman Lake area of the Unita-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in eastern Summit County.

On October 5, 2020 human remains were found near Lyman Lake in eastern Summit County. Today we received confirmation those remains are those of Carl Crumrine. Carl went missing on October 14, 2019. Our condolences are with the Crumrine family and friends. pic.twitter.com/85j6vMikuC

— Sheriff Justin (@SummitCountySO) October 8, 2020

Crumrine was hunting with a group when he left their campsite around 5:30 a.m. that day.

Wright said a member of the hunting party contacted law enforcement after Crumrine had not returned by sunset, and police started search and rescue efforts.

Those efforts ended on Oct. 20, 2019, after heavy snowfall and strong winds hit the area.

A hunter called police on Monday saying he found human bones, clothing, a survival pack and a hunting rifle in the Lyman Lake area.

“Carl’s remains were found within approximately 1 mile from where he had been camping in 2019,” police said. “The area where his remains were found is a very dense wooded area with fallen timber.”

Investigators and search and rescue crews worked for the next two days to recover the human remains and other items.

Police said the remains were sent to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, which determined they belonged to Crumrine on Thursday.