Police release identity of hiker found dead near Sundial Peak

Jul 2, 2024, 1:51 PM

FILE- Lake Blanche sits at an elevation of 8,300 feet up Big Cottonwood Canyon at the base of Sundial Peak amid glacier carved deposits. (Marshall Robinson/Deseret News)

(Marshall Robinson/Deseret News)

BY MARIAH MAYNES

Digital Content Producer

BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah — The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office has identified the hiker found dead near Sundial Peak yesterday. Mohammad Abdullah, 80, fell over 200 feet from the Sundial Trial.

A press release said Abdullah was an experienced hiker.

Sundial Trail is accessed via the Lake Blanche Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon, per AllTrails. It leads to Sundial Peak, the summit that stands over Lake Blanche.

The press release said that Abdullah started his hike alone at around 6 a.m. on Sunday, June 30.

At around 10 p.m., his wife reported him overdue. A search and rescue operation began.

A Department of Public Safety helicopter located Abdullah at 9:30 a.m. on July 1. He was dead when rescuers arrived.

The search and rescue team was able to recover his body around 11:30 a.m. the same day.

Following the death of Abdullah in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the Salt Lake County Search and Rescue team has urged anyone who participates in outdoor recreation to prepare thoroughly. They should also remain cautious, especially in dangerous areas.

Staying safe on dangerous hikes

On AllTrails, a website that provides maps and allows users to share their experiences, several users mentioned some of the trail requires scrambling to the peak.

In hiking, scrambling means utilizing all four limbs to pass through steep or rocky terrain.

Before you embark on your next hiking adventure, the American Hiking Society advises researching your desired trail. Become familiar with any obstacles or dangerous stretches that you may encounter.

Ensure that you pack the appropriate gear for the terrain that you are planning on encountering. Additionally, check the forecast and dress for the weather.

Hiking alone is not advised. Always go with a group so that you have assistance if an emergency arises. Learn proper first-aid and emergency protocol, and make plans for what you will do if something happens.