Seekonk Hiker Dies in 30-Foot Fall on Utah Trail

SALT LAKE COUNTY, UTAH — Greater Salt Lake Unified Police say a 22-year-old man from Seekonk, MA has died in Utah after falling around 30 feet from a trail.

According to police, Kurt Lawson was hiking with a friend on Mt. Olympus along the Neff's Canyon trail in Salt Lake County on Monday morning when he fell.

The friend called 911 at around 10:52 a.m. Monday.

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The Unified Police Canyon Unit responded along with half of the county sheriff's search and rescue team, which was also working on another rescue at the time.

Although Lawson's friend was able to provide GPS coordinates to rescue crews, police said the pair of hikers were in a shaded depression and were "very difficult to see."

High temperatures and the high altitude also complicated the rescue operation, according to police, causing Lifeflight difficulty in maneuvering.

Police said Lawson stopped breathing while a rescue plan was being put into place.

Search and rescue crews talked the friend through CPR before Lifeflight hoisted Lawson off the mountain, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

His friend was also taken off of the mountain by Lifeflight, police said.