Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team Recovers Body of Overdue Hiker at Porter Fork

Porter Fork, December 31, 2024 —The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team recovered the body of David Ethier, 38, of Canada, who was the reported overdue hiker in Porter Fork.

On Saturday, December 28, Mr. Ethier was out hiking with his dog when an avalanche swept him under the snow. Sightings of his dog were reported after the incident. The dog was later recovered by a good Samaritan on Sunday, December 29. This directed authorities back to Mr. Ethier. His car was found at the Porter Fork trailhead and contact with the family indicated his return was overdue.

Search and rescue operations initiated immediately. The three-day search concluded with Tuesday’s recovery of Mr. Ethier’s body.

Sheriff Rosie Rivera expressed her condolences and gratitude to the rescue partners and dedicated Search and Rescue volunteers who assisted in the operation. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Sheriff Rivera said. “Our hearts go out to the family as they grieve the loss of their loved one.”