- A search is underway for a missing camper near Jacob City Trailhead in Tooele County.
- Chad Burningham, 42, disappeared Monday; his diabetes raises urgency for rescuers.
- Officials are not requesting volunteer assistance; anyone with information is urged to contact dispatch.
STOCKTON, Tooele County — A search is currently in progress near the Jacob City Trailhead in Soldier Canyon, after a camper disappeared Monday.
"A group of friends were up here camping. One of the males, identified as Chad Burningham, 42, left the camp at about 8 a.m. on foot and hasn't been seen since," said Sgt. Dane Lerdahl of the Tooele County Sheriff's Office. "They suggested it looked like he was heading toward some bathrooms, but he never returned. There was no communication — he just started walking off."
Urgent medical concerns
Rescuers are especially worried due to the heat and Burningham's potentially life-threatening medical condition.
"He is diabetic. Family has told us he should have his insulin pump, but we haven't been able to confirm that," Lerdahl said. "Obviously, his medical condition is something that we're taking very seriously, and that's why we're trying everything that we can to locate him."
Search efforts began Monday night with Tooele County sheriff's deputies and a Department of Public Safety helicopter. They resumed Tuesday morning, bringing in search and rescue teams, drones, and scent-tracking hounds.
"There's no indication that he would have left voluntarily, but we haven't ruled that out entirely," Lerdahl noted.
Difficult terrain and conditions
The search area is rugged and densely vegetated, presenting additional challenges.
"There are several ravines and ditches, and the sagebrush is very thick," said Lerdahl. "As you're walking, visibility is limited — you can only see about 25 feet in each direction."
Temperatures in the area have reached 92°F.
Description and public guidance
Burningham is described as having a slender build with facial hair and dirty blond hair. He was last seen wearing khaki shorts and a blue-and-white hoodie.
If anyone encounters him, he may require immediate medical attention.
"If he's low — going into diabetic shock — that's our biggest fear," Lerdahl said. "Gatorade or anything you've got to try and help him out. But the most important thing is to get medical attention immediately."
Currently, officials are not requesting volunteer assistance to avoid interfering with scent tracking by search dogs. If Burningham is not found soon, volunteers may be asked to assist via the Tooele County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
"There may come a time when we welcome anybody who wants to help, but we want to exhaust our efforts with the dogs first," Lerdahl said.
Anyone with information about Burningham's whereabouts is urged to contact dispatch at 435-882-5600.
