Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue Team Recovers Drowning Victim at Little Dell Reservoir

South Salt Lake, July 3, 2024 – On Tuesday, July 2, at approximately 9:45 PM, the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team recovered the body of Hailey Mason, a 29-year-old female from Salt Lake City, from Little Dell Reservoir.

At around 2:00 PM, bystanders at Little Dell Reservoir called 911 after hearing a woman outside of her kayak cry for help. Despite their attempts to swim out and assist her, she went under the water and did not resurface. Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Canyon Patrol deputies responded and initiated a call out for the Search and Rescue dive team.

The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team, along with the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue and Utah State Park Rangers, responded to the incident. Three boats equipped with sonar technology were deployed, leading to the discovery of Ms. Mason. During the search, Ms. Mason’s kayak, life vest, and other belongings were also recovered.

Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera expressed her gratitude, stating, “Thank you to the wonderful volunteers of the Search and Rescue team and our partners. This outcome is tragic and our hearts are with the family as they mourn this loss.”

As a reminder to everyone recreating this week and throughout the summer, please ensure you are prepared. Use flotation devices when on the water, and if you are going out alone, let someone know your plans and expected return time.