A teenage hiker tragically filmed her own death after setting up her phone to record a waterfall.
Due to the dangerous conditions, search and rescue crews didn't retrieve Cynthia Ann Grimwood's body until Saturday (June 8). Volunteers who joined the search watched her overnight to ensure that the body stayed in the same location before she could be transported to the hospital.
“On behalf of all who were involved in the search for and recovery of Cynthia we express deep condolences to her family at her loss,” officials said in a statement, as cited by The Independent.
Grimwood had gone hiking with her dog around 3PM on Friday afternoon (June 7) at Horsetail Falls in Alpine, Utah.
Tragedy struck when the 19-year-old fell into the swollen river - which was about 35 miles south of Salt Lake City - and was swept away.
Two hikers were walking in the area when they discovered a “small dog with a cell phone and some personal items” that they found suspicious, so they contacted emergency responders, fearing that “someone might have fallen into the water of Dry Creek and could be in trouble," per the sheriff's statement.
One of the hikers reportedly found footage on a phone that showed a woman standing near the water before the current seized her.
Utah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) responded to the area, along with firefighters from numerous agencies in northern Utah County and a helicopter with the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Grimwood’s body was then located about 100 yards below Horsetail Falls submerged under some trees and swamped in the water.
"The area where the victim was stuck in the water was full with heavy snowmelt runoff and conditions were treacherous. The steep rock walls around the area made it very difficult to access," officials said.
According to KSL, the sheriff's office believes the teen underestimated the speed and strength of the water level as it was moving fast and "abnormally high".
At this time, officials do not think that foul play was a factor in the 19-year-old's death, and are calling it a “tragic accident.”
Sgt. Garrett Dutson revealed that the young woman's dog had been returned to her family, per KSL NewsRadio 102.7.
Our thoughts are with Grimwood’s family and friends at this heartbreaking time.
