Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON — If pictures could tell a story, Andrew Sharp’s would be one big adventure.
The 35-year-old hiker documented his love affair with Utah’s great outdoors with a camera, always taking a moment to capture the breathtaking scenery around him.
Those photos fill his Facebook page.
Bountiful resident Julie Sharp said her nephew was inspired by his late grandfather, who was skiing and hiking well into his 90s.
Andrew Sharp was born in Maryland, but his father’s job with the U.S. Department of State took the family abroad.
“He lived in Egypt, in the Sudan and Tunisia, and also in Jordan,” Julie Sharp said.
Andrew Sharp was an engineer for L3 Communications, and several years ago his job brought him from Ohio to Utah.
“He’s just been a hiking fanatic ever since then,” his aunt said.
Andrew Sharp spent most of his time outside, she said.
“He started snowshoeing this last year. He had gotten ice picks because he was going to start climbing and rappelling,” Julie Sharp said.
His hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Aug. 15 would be his last. Unified police say he sent a text message to his friend around noon, asking the friend to meet him at the White Pine Trailhead for a ride home.
When Andrew Sharp failed to show up, his friend called police.
A helicopter crew found Andrew's body Saturday morning at the bottom of White Pine Canyon.
“I’ve lost my mom and brother in the past few years ... but you don’t think you’re going to lose your 35-year-old nephew,” Julie Sharp said.
She said her nephew was intelligent, funny and an all-around great guy. He had set a goal to climb the highest peaks in every county in Utah by the end of August, she said.
“He only had a few counties left to go,” Julie Sharp said.
Andrew Sharp's death isn’t the only one in Utah’s mountains this summer; three others have also died while hiking.
Unified police investigators said they may never know what caused Andrew Sharp to fall, but they're warning hikers to be aware their own skill level.
Andrew Sharp's family said their loss shows that tragedy can befall even the most experienced hiker.
“If you’re going to go hiking anywhere, take a companion with you,” Julie Sharp said. “Anything can happen, anytime.”
