Body found in car in ditch off Bangerter Highway identified as missing SLC woman
Dec 22, 2021, 12:04 PM | Updated: 12:17 pm
The body of Valerie Gardner, 46, was found inside a car off Bangerter Highway Tuesday. (Find Valerie Gardner/Facebook)
(Find Valerie Gardner/Facebook)
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah — Family members say a body that was found in a car inside a ditch that runs along Bangerter Highway is that of Valerie Gardner, who was reported missing last month.
Wednesday, just after noon, UHP confirmed that Gardner was the victim of the crash. Police responded to the area of state Route 201 and Bangerter Highway Tuesday evening after the car was located by a passerby.
Previously, Lt. Jalaine Hawks with UHP said they found “quite a bit of snow” on the car.
“The vehicle went off the road down into a ditch and it appears like it has been there for a while, we don’t know how long,” UHP Sgt. Cameron Roden said when the vehicle was discovered Tuesday night.
Gardner, 46, was reported missing on Nov. 30. Family members said she worked in West Valley City and lived in Salt Lake City.
In a Facebook post the family announced Gardner’s passing with a broken heart. They also thanked those who supported the family and made efforts to find her.
“Valerie’s sister Becky and her husband Paul rushed to the scene as soon as they were informed, and were there when the Highway Patrol confirmed the tragic news,” the social post said.
The family said little information is currently available and said it expected more will be shared with them.
