Boy dies during paddleboarding trip at Sand Hollow State Park

Written by Stephanie DeGraw
August 3, 2023

ST. GEORGE — An investigation is ongoing into the drowning of a South Jordan teenager Thursday morning at Sand Hollow State Park near Hurricane. 

The scene of a teen drowning at Sand Hollow State Park near Hurricane, Utah, Aug. 3, 2023 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

Utah Division of State Parks Public Affairs Manager Devan Chavez told St. George News that 15-year-old Landon Crook was paddleboarding with family members near the South Beach area.

Crook fell from the paddle board and did not resurface. After being unable to find him, his family called emergency services for help. Chavez said officials received the call around 10 a.m.

Chavez said first responders recovered Crook’s body in 25 feet of water around 12:30 p.m. The teenager was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. Chavez said it was unknown at this time if a life-saving device was with the paddleboard.

Officials aren’t sure what caused the incident. Chavez said Utah Division of State Parks extends thier condolences to Crook’s family and friends. This incident remains under investigation at this time. 

“It’s the last thing that the people who are coming out to visit want to have happen,” Chavez said. “A big first line of defense for stopping tragedies from happening is wearing your lifejacket. Regardless of how good of a swimmer you might be, swimming experience even search and rescue experience, a person might have, the life jacket is your first line of defense.”

When out recreating. Chavez said there are “almost tragedies” that happen every day. For example, a person can swim, cramp-up or fall from a paddleboard or waterski. 

“With a lifejacket on, as soon as they fall in, it allows them just to pop right up and continue smiling and having fun,” Chevez said.

Chavez offered these tips:

  • Work diligently to prioritize safety.
  • Always recreate with a buddy.
  • Wear your life jackets and helmets.
  • Let somebody know where you are going and when to expect your return.
  • Checking weather conditions and water temperatures is also vital.
  •  Pack appropriate gear for your activity and stay hydrated while outdoors.

Chavez said the first responders to the scene included Utah State Parks law enforcement rangers who responded to the area, Washington County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and the Hurricane City Police Department.

To learn more about Utah’s state parks, safety tips, and laws and rules, visit stateparks.utah.gov.

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie DeGraw is an award-winning journalist. For 25 years, she engaged in journalism, broadcasting and public relations. DeGraw worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, Associated Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for a CBS television station in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Broadcasting.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!