ST. GEORGE — Utah’s Office of the Medical Examiner has identified the remains found near Duck Creek in Kane County as those of Courtney Lynne Townsend, who was last seen six months ago.
Kane County Sheriff Tracy Glover confirmed to St. George News on Wednesday that identification was made possible from both evidence collected at the scene and medical records.
“Through dental records, they were able to positively identify the remains as those of Courtney Townsend,” Glover said. “The case remains under investigation by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Office of the Medical Examiner and St. George Police, as we continue to search for additional remains for forensic analysis.”
Due to the open investigation, more information about the recent evidence found at the campground site could not be provided.
St. George Police Department shared the missing person report in December 2023 stating Townsend’s mother had reported a stolen car.
Three days after the vehicle was reported as stolen, Kane County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a burned-out car found near the water tower by one of the campgrounds near Duck Creek on Nov. 19, 2023.
Glover previously told St. George News that search efforts near the car identified as the one stolen were hampered because of snowfall after the vehicle was found. A ground search of the area was not possible until May 11 when sufficient snow had melted.
Six months after the car was found, on May 27, a hiker in the area of Duck Creek found clothing within the same vicinity after Kane County Search and Rescue performed their initial search.
In a press release issued the next day, Kane County Sheriff Lt. Alan Alldredge said human remains and other evidence were found leading officers to presume the remains were those of Townsend.
“The individual was familiar with the Townsend case and thought the clothing might be important,” Alldredge said.
Townsend’s family, friends and a volunteer group comprised of retired search and rescue members had previously searched the area twice after receiving permission from the local authorities.
Dallas Jimenez said hearing the news that the remains found were those of her sister brought a little closure for the family who “can finally stop looking.”
“It only intensified the need for answers though,” Jimenez said. “Why was she up there? Was she with somebody? What happened? My investigation doesn’t stop here.”
Jimenez said the outpouring of community support has been overwhelming, from candlelight vigils to supportive social media messages and three organized searches for her sister.
“When we meet up, these people are coming from different communities and we all meet in Duck Creek,” she said. “Their devotion means so much to me. I could not have done this alone.”
The family of Courtney Lynne Townsend is planning a celebration of remembrance for anyone wishing to attend. Organizers of the community potluck encourage those attending to bring a dish to share and a story about Townsend.
“This is really for the community, to say thank you,” Jimenez said. “They really pulled together to find my sister — I was blown away by the help. To the person who heard about this in the media, found some clothes and reported it, thank you. And to everyone else who loved my little sister, come join us for a celebration to remember the good times with Courtney.”
The celebration of life for Courtney Lynne Townsend will be held on Saturday, June 15, at 1 p.m.
The location is 1165 East Bulloch St., in Washington, and property owners are asking attendees to use the street for parking.
More event information and a wish list of supplies needed can be found on the Justice for Courtney Facebook page.
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