Man found after weekslong disappearance near University of Utah
Nov 20, 2025, 4:59 PM | Updated: Dec 11, 2025, 6:55 am
August Beckwith, a man with autism who had gone missing near the University of Utah nearly a month ago, was finally reunited with his mother Wednesday (Photo courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety)
(Photo courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety)
SALT LAKE CITY — Police at the University of Utah were searching for a missing and endangered autistic man for weeks after finally locating him and reuniting him with his family on Thursday.
In a statement, the University of Utah Police Department said it searched for 29-year-old August Beckwith. Police said Beckwith may be nonverbal and requires medication.
Investigators were concerned Beckwith could possibly be a danger to himself upon his disappearance.
The DPS said Beckwith was last seen at 1:30 p.m. running down Wakara Way toward the University of Utah.
Beckwith was described as wearing a grey hoodie, black pants and black shoes.
The DPS advised that anyone who believed they saw Beckwith to call 911 immediately and “do not approach quickly — he may be frightened.” Anyone who calls 911 should reference University of Police Case Number 25-3398.
Suicide prevention resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.
Additional resources
- SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
- SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
- SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
- Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
- LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.
Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more.
These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.
This story is developing and may be updated.
