Body of missing hiker found in Peavine Canyon

by David Boyle
News Director
The body of a missing hiker was recovered in San Juan County nearly two weeks after he was supposed to return home.
The San Juan County sheriff’s office shared on April 25 that the body of 54-year old David Engler of Mapleton, UT was recovered.
Engler’s body was discovered by bear hunters about 2.5 miles from the Peavine Canyon trailhead about 300 yards off the trail.
Officials report there were no obvious signs of trauma and the cause of death is unknown but the remains have been transported to the Utah Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination.
Engler was due home April 12. The Sheriff’s office asked for help locating him on April 14. The next day, his truck was discovered at the Peavine trail head.
A huge effort was undertaken to locate Engler, with more than 30 hours logged from the Department of Public Safety helicopter. Search and Rescue crews from San Juan and Grand counties logged more than 24 hours on the ground.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s office, BLM and US Forest Service also contributing resources and time.
Volunteers from the Wasatch Front and Grand Junction, CO also participated in the search.