SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - The body of a missing Millcreek man was found in Neffs Canyon Wednesday evening.
It is confirmed the body is that of 80 year old Fritz Helland, said Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder. Two hikers found Helland's body in a creek bed in Neffs Canyon which is located near Olympus Cove.
Helland went missing last Wednesday, October 24, when he took his dog for a walk and didn't return home.
Lt. Justin Hoyal with Unified Police says investigators do not suspect foul play. They believe Helland may have slipped in the snowy and steep terrain. Helland was found almost two miles from the trailhead to Neffs Canyon. "It appeared there may have been a fall involved and he was possibly affected by the elements of the cold weather," said Hoyal.
Helland's miniature doberman pinscher was also found dead at the scene.
Helland, who was an avid hiker, had suffered short-term memory loss, according to his family. However, they say he had never shown signs of forgetting where he lived. Police tell ABC 4 News that Helland lived only a few miles from where he was found.
Almost two thousand volunteers helped crews search for Helland last weekend. The Helland family tells media they are grateful to the volunteers and investigators who searched for him.
A blog written by Helland's grandson states "My family is so grateful to have some closure. Thank you again to all the heroes who helped us resolve this difficult situaiton. Fritz was a kind, peaceful, brave, and brilliant man. He will be dearly missed."
