Human remains discovered by a hiker in Utah have been identified as belonging to a man who vanished during a fishing trip in 1997, authorities confirmed.
Grim Discovery at Fish Lake
In May, a hiker and his dog stumbled upon a hiking boot containing a human foot along the shores of Fish Lake. According to the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, the shoe model was only produced in 1996, prompting investigators to review cold cases.
David White’s Disappearance
David White of Washington, Utah, was last seen in September 1997. He had planned to fish with friends, but when those plans fell through, he went alone and never returned. His boat was later found moving across the lake, empty. A hat and a shoe were also seen floating nearby, suggesting he may have fallen into the water.
Years Without Answers
The initial five-day search yielded no further evidence. Nearly 28 years passed without resolution—until DNA testing on the foot matched one of White’s daughters with 99.9994% certainty.
Family and Authorities Express Gratitude
White’s daughter Stefanie Bennett thanked the hiker and his dog, as well as law enforcement, for their role in bringing closure. Sheriff Nathan J. Curtis acknowledged the case had weighed heavily on search and rescue teams for decades.
Closure at Last
The discovery has finally answered questions that lingered for nearly three decades, offering peace to White’s family and those who searched tirelessly for him.
For the latest headlines, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.