Family of missing slot canyon hiker offers reward

GREEN RIVER, Utah — The family of a man who went missing in a slot canyon near Goblin Valley State Park is offering a $10,000 reward. It comes as Emery County search and rescue teams hope for a break in the weather to gain ground. 

Howard Stone, a 65-year-old man from Spanish Fork, was reported missing on Sunday. According to his son, Brandon Stone, it has been four days since he’s heard from his father. 

“I tried reaching out to him Saturday afternoon asking him to let me know when he got out of the canyon. Unfortunately, I didn’t hear back from him,” said Stone. 

Search efforts for the missing slot canyon hiker

According to Emery County Sheriff Tyson Huntington, Stone arrived to the state park on Saturday. He played golf in the morning, took a break, and then headed to Little Wild Horse Canyon for a hike. 

After the man was reported missing by his son, police found his car at the trailhead. 

Huntington said that the canyon must be avoided when it is raining. It poses a potential for dangerous flash flooding. 

Due to the weather conditions, a Department of Public Safety helicopter was called. However, the canyon is shaded, obscuring aerial views. 

Search and rescue teams have also been able to comb some areas through the use of all-terrain vehicles. They are hoping the weather clears so that they can search the remaining areas and those covered by deep pools of water. 

“We’re all trying to hold on to the hope we have and trying to be as useful as we can. and were just hoping [that] somebody saw something … a lead that we can follow to help find my dad,” said Stone. 

Anyone who may have information has been asked to contact the Emery County Sheriff’s Office at (435) 381-2112. 

Mariah Maynes contributed to this story. 

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