Body Recovery in Utah

[Maverick17]

So first off, no desire to circumvent local authorities, the detective is involved. Second I realize recovery is difficult and dangerous.

The problem is that the detective (Ogden area) can't get S&R to respond. I frankly don't know why that would be the case, and don't know if that means "respond = won't dive" or "respond = literally hasn't picked up the phone." But the detective is struggling to find anyone who can help for some reason, and my friends who are relatives are of course flustered. Is there anyone here who has a Utah connection who might be able facilitate contact with S&R, either for an explanation or for help of some sort?

Thanks.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Your description is pretty vague☺. Where is the body, cave, deep, drain, no vis, crime scene?? Certain areas can be extremely dangerous and may require very specialized equipment and/or training. Not all search and rescue teams have the capabilities to perform recoveries in all circumstsnces. They may be bringing in consultants or specialists are it just could be dangerous to proceed.

 

[Maverick17]

Thank you for your reply. I do understand it is vague, and I/m not trying to be difficult I just left it that way on purpose as I don't want it to sound like I'm trying to go around the authorities and organize my own dive, or provide info that is still private. I maybe wasn't clear above that I don't know why the S&R divers wouldn't pick up the phone if that is in fact true - but I do well realize some times the divers might not be prepared or equipped, and also realize in some cases it is not recommended to dive at all. I am simply looking for a contact who might be able to facilitate discussion as the second hand version is "the detective is frustrated that S&R won't respond or send divers".

It's a reservoir, 80ish feet according to sonar, and it is a suicide or mental health thing if I understand right (non-foul play). I also know sonar is not always accurate from reading some other S&R threads, so again I do understand S&R might be slow on purpose. But at this point the family and detective do not know why it is slow.

Again thank you much for the reply.

 

[g2]

Without knowing much... If they have sonar, they have a boat. Might it be faster and more efficient to drag the lake?

 

[Maverick17]

They did have the boat. I don't know much about dragging but I'll mention it. Thanks.

 

[shurite7]

You can contact U.S. Water Rescue and speak with Shane. The number is (406) 591-4649. I work with him when I can and the team will travel to other parts of the country when needed.

 

[Bob DBF]

We had a different but similar situation at a local lake.

Although the belief is it was a sucide, until there are forensics done at the scene it is an opinion. Most if not all local S&R teams are not trained for deep water and deco, ours was not. The black water was not the problem, but the limited time at depth would make a survey take forever, and narcosis would put the findings in question.

Because the scene in our case was at approximately 80' a drone was brought in to verify that what was said to be there was there, after the S&R team was led to the scene, they marked it with a float. Two or three months later an FBI rebreather team came in and did forensics and did the recovery.


Bob

 

[Scott]

I know the trainer for the DPS Dive Team and can give him a call and inquire.
Typically the local office (ie: Ogden City) if they have S&R will respond, if not it then goes to county (Weber) S&R and then state DPS team is evolved. Just depends on the situation.
Weber County S&R has a training going on, so that may be a reason for a slow/no response. They would have to mobilize.
Make sure the detective is calling the right number for Weber S&R. This is the number LEO can call 801-395-8221 according to their site
PM me the lake so I can at least speak with him with some knowledge

 

[Maverick17]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

Scott you have a PM. Thanks for the explanation of local issues.

Shurite I've sent Scott a message for now with hopes it's just a small communication issue, but I also gave my friends the number you mentioned. Bob I didn't know about drones or FBI divers, that was interesting, and I've passed your comments on as well.

I really appreciate the comments.

 

[shurite7]

you are welcome, Maverick17. I recommended U.S. Water Rescue because the team also deals with possible crime scene situations. We flew to GA a year and half ago to recover a firearm. After we recovered the gun foul play was ruled out and suicide was confirmed. Bob posted some important issues above.