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LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON — Police have identified the man found dead near Snowbird after not returning from skiing Sunday as 60-year-old Charles Esposito of Layton.
Police initially received a call about an overdue skier about 10:30 p.m. Sunday and began a search of the area. Officers arrived to find the man's vehicle in the Snowbird parking lot and determined his phone was near the Gadzoom lift, according to a statement from Unified police.
"Despite an extensive search conducted by Unified police, ski patrol, and the Department of Public Safety, the individual could not be located that night. The search was suspended until daylight for safety and visibility reasons," the statement says.
Search efforts resumed at 8 a.m. Monday, and officials found a body in a "difficult location" to reach in the backcountry, according to Unified Police Sgt. Aymee Race.
Police identified Esposito Monday afternoon but said his death is still being investigated. They are waiting on a formal cause of death determination from the Office of the Medical Examiner.
"Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Esposito's family and friends during this difficult time," the statement says.
This story will be updated.
