Body found in the foothills of Cedar City may belong to missing camper
Jul 12, 2025, 11:23 AM | Updated: 12:24 pm
FILE PHOTO (Cedar City Police Department/Facebook)
(Cedar City Police Department/Facebook)
SALT LAKE CITY — Police believe the body of a man found in the foothills of Cedar City on Friday might belong to a man who went missing while on a camping trip.
According to the Cedar City Police Department, the man’s body was found at 4 p.m. on Friday, and they believe the remains could belong to Steven James Oakeson.
“(The area is) less than two miles from where Steven James Oakeson was last seen,” the police department said. “Oakeson had previously been reported missing on (Tuesday) and was last seen on July 5.”
According to CCPD, search and rescue teams searched for Oakeson on Thursday where his vehicle was found around 300 East and 820 South, but were not able to locate him.
A missing persons report for Steven James Oakeson. (Cedar City Police Department via Facebook)
Police said the search for Oakeson has been put on hold while a medical examination is conducted to confirm the identity of the man found.
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones during this difficult time and appreciate the community’s support and concern throughout the search,” the CCPD said. “The Cedar City Police Department would like to thank the Utah Highway Patrol Aero Bureau and the Iron County Search and Rescue team for their dedicated efforts in assisting the CCPD with the search for Oakeson.”
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
