ST. GEORGE – Detectives from the Weber County Sheriff’s Office recovered human skeletal remains Sunday afternoon discovered by a hiker on Ben Lomond Peak in Weber County. The ID of a missing St. George man was found among the remains.
The badly decomposed body was discovered Sunday afternoon by a hiker on an isolated, rugged cliff about three quarters of the way up Ben Lomond Peak, the Sheriff’s Office said in a media statement issued Sunday evening.
Though investigators are still working to positively identify the remains, the Sheriff’s Office said there is a possibility the case is connected to a 2014 missing person report out of St. George.
Joshua Allen Easley, 25, was last seen in north Ogden on April 20, 2014. His 2000 Mitsubishi Galant was found abandoned at the Bonneville Shoreline Trailhead, approximately two hours from the discovery site, around that same time.
“Hopefully results from an autopsy conducted by the State Medical Examiner’s Office can provide a positive identification,” the Sheriff’s Office said, “and bring closure to the family.”
Easley’s mother posted the following message on the Missing Joshua Easley Facebook page:
This is Josh’s mom. It is with a very heavy heart that I am posting this update. Josh’s remains were recovered today. They found his wallet/ID in the clothing. We will wait for DNA/dental records to confirm 100 (percent). We want to thank everyone who has continued to share his page, send prayers, and for your continued support. Josh our hearts are broken but now we know you are at peace. Many questions are still unanswered … We love you to the moon and back son always and forever.
Authorities said they believe the body may have been in that location for several months, according to Fox 13 News, adding that the body is too badly decomposed to be identified by sight. Thus, while the presence of Easley’s ID indicates it may be him, it will ultimately be up to a medical examiner to make formal positive identification.
This is a developing story. This report may be updated as information is made available.
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