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Man drowns at reservoir in American Fork Canyon in second recent paddleboarding accident

By Jared Lloyd - | Jul 12, 2025

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

A Utah County Sheriff's Office vehicle is shown Sept. 27, 2024, outside of Utah Lake State Park.

The Utah County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday evening that it was searching for a missing man at Silver Lake Flat Reservoir in American Fork Canyon and that it had closed the road up to the reservoir to allow for the rescue efforts.

Unfortunately, around 9 p.m., Sergeant Raymond Ormond posted on the office’s Facebook page that the body of the missing individual had been found.

“A short time ago, Rescuers were able to locate and recover the body of the missing 31 year old male that was paddle boarding on Silver Lake Flat Reservoir,” the post said. “We would like to extend our condolences to the family.”

Reports said the man had been paddleboarding with a group but went under the water and didn’t resurface.

It is the second paddleboarding-related accident in Utah County in two weeks.

According to a Facebook post from the Utah Department of Natural Resources (DNR), “On June 28, a Natural Resource Law Enforcement Ranger was on patrol at the “Trestle Bridge” on the Provo River in Wasatch County, Utah. At approximately 1:30 p.m., the Ranger was approached by a citizen who reported that a 45 year-old female on a paddleboard had become trapped under the bridge structure.

“The Ranger, assisted by a bystander, entered the river and held the individual’s head above water until they were freed from the structure. The individual and rescuers were in the water for approximately 30 minutes, with water temperature averaging around 55 degrees. Wasatch County Search and Rescue and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene to provide care to all parties involved.

“We thank Wasatch County Search and Rescue, EMS, and the many citizens for their successful efforts in this river rescue. We also acknowledge the life-saving efforts of our officers. They selflessly entered the water, risking their own lives to save another.”

Along with the report, the department posted body-cam footage of the rescue.

Tiffinie Ann Wolf responded to the Facebook post to say thank you all of those who came to her aid, saying: “I don’t even know where to begin. What was supposed to be a relaxing family camping trip along the Provo river, turned into a swift water rescue! There are no words for how I’m feeling! I first want to thank my daughter for having the bravery to ask a stranger to call my husband and to get help! She was able to get out of the water with her best friend “Smiley”! I especially want to thank the Wasatch county swift water rescue, The Utah DNR Law Enforcement Division and all of the selflessness of the bystanders who were there to help! I’m sure I’m forgetting so many people….The kindness of strangers is really incredible! I am so grateful for the outcome of this situation and how important life jackets are. Just that morning my daughter asked if she had to wear one, and it is a non-negotiable! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

DNR also reminded all recreation enthusiasts about important safety measure they should follow.

“Summer is here, and thousands of Utahns are preparing to head into the outdoors with their friends and family,” it said in the post. “The Utah Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division is happy to see people enjoying scenic rivers. However, it’s vital for all visitors to practice safe and responsible recreation.

“Always wear an appropriate life jacket for river use.

“Research the river system to understand how to navigate it safely.

“If unsure of your abilities, consider going with a guide.

“For more information visit boating.utah.gov.”

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