Remains found in High Uintas believed to be Australian hiker missing since 2011


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KAMAS — Human remains found near Allsop Lake in the High Uinta Mountains are believed to be those of an Australian hiker who went missing in 2011.

On Wednesday, the Summit and Duchesne county sheriff's offices announced that skeletal remains had been recovered near Allsop Lake along with items that belonged to Eric Robinson.

The remains were found approximately 10 miles away from where Robinson was last seen five years ago.

Robinson, 64, of Melbourne, Australia, was last seen on Aug. 2, 2011, in the Yellowstone Creek drainage. The experienced hiker had begun walking the 60-mile Highline Trail on July 28 with the goal completing it in 10 days. He was expected to return Aug. 7 to fly to Vancouver, British Columbia, for another leg of his extended hiking trip.

When he didn't show up, his wife reported him missing and a search was launched. Search and rescue teams spent several weeks looking for Robinson without success.

On Friday, a father and two sons from Coalville were near Allsop Lake when they located a backpack, tent and what appeared to be human remains along the Highline Trail near the Summit and Duchesne county borders, said Summit County Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Bridge.

(Photo: Courtesy of Summit County Sheriff's Office)
(Photo: Courtesy of Summit County Sheriff's Office)

Summit County sheriff's deputies searched the area and found Robinson's backpack, poncho, walking stick and other personal items, Bridge said. The skeletal remains were taken to the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office for DNA testing.

A cause of death had not been confirmed as of Wednesday. But the remains and personal items were found about 150 yards down a steep slope with "harsh" terrain, like a boulder field, Bridge said. There is a possibility Robinson was injured in a fall, he said.

Robinson's family in Australia was notified of the discovery prior to Wednesday's announcement, Bridge said.

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