Body of missing kayaker recovered from Echo Reservoir

SALT LAKE CITY — Search and rescue crews were looking for a man who went missing at Echo Reservoir through Tuesday night. Officials said his body was recovered early Wednesday morning.

Sgt. Skyler Talbot with the Summit County Sheriff’s Office said a man in his 50s, identified Wednesday as Steven Gines, last spoke with his family at around 4:30 p.m. The sheriff’s office was called about an hour later, he said, and his family told officers he’d been kayaking.

Various search and rescue crews responded to the reservoir. Late on Tuesday, crews believed they found his empty kayak and a life jacket in the water.

Gines’ body was found at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, according to a press release from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said multiple boats outfitted with technology to help were being utilized.

“Those vessels are equipped with various sonar technology to where they are able to take images below the surface of the water,” Talbot said.

The sheriff’s office said it was still investigating the death, and the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the exact cause of death.

“The Summit County Sheriff’s Office extends our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victim, and to all those affected by this tragic incident,” the sheriff’s office said.

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This is a breaking news story. It may be updated.

Contributing: Jacob Freeman