Utah County family marks 11 years since Elizabeth Salgado vanished, still pleading for answers

PROVO — Eleven years have passed since 26‑year‑old Elizabeth Elena Laguna Salgado disappeared in downtown Provo, and for her family, the pain has not eased.

Her uncle, Rosemberg Salgado, said the family continues to pray for the miracle they’ve been waiting for: justice.

“We deserve answers,” he said, his voice breaking as he reflected on the years without his niece.

Elizabeth had been in Utah for just 18 days when she vanished after finishing classes at a language school near 400 West and Center Street. For three years, her family searched and pleaded for information. Then, in May 2018, a man driving through Hobble Creek Canyon pulled off the road and discovered human remains. Investigators later confirmed they belonged to Elizabeth.

Even with that heartbreaking discovery, the case has never led to an arrest.

“We just need the right person to come forward,” Rosemberg Salgado said. “It’s very painful. Every year that goes by, not knowing what happened to our niece.”

He said detectives remain in contact with the family and continue to follow up on any possible leads.

“I actually talked to detectives, even today,” he said, adding that knowing the case is still open brings him some peace. “It helps to know she hasn’t been forgotten.”

The family continues to lean on their faith as they wait for answers.

“We have so much faith, and I feel like the Lord at any time, any day … we’re waiting for that miracle to happen,” Rosemberg said.

Investigators are again urging anyone who met Elizabeth during her short time in Utah — or who may have seen a woman matching her description in April 2015 — to contact the Utah County Sheriff’s Office at 801‑851‑4000.

The Salgado family said they will keep praying until the day someone comes forward.