TOOELE — The search for a missing West Wendover man ended in heartbreak for his family. Authorities confirmed the body found last week in the Utah desert belongs to 50-year-old Salvador Conejo-Pedraza, who was missing since June 20.
The Tooele County Sheriff's Office said Conejo's remains were discovered July 10 near Silver Island Loop Road. The location is roughly 9 miles from where his abandoned Isuzu Rodeo was found last month.
"It just hurts, you know," said Omar Cornejo, Conejo-Pedraza's son. "I couldn't find him in time."
"Not like this. He didn't have to go out like this," he said.
Deputies have not released details about how Conejo was found or the cause of death, citing the ongoing investigation. Family members say DNA testing was used to confirm his identity.
Conejo-Pedraza's disappearance sparked a widespread search effort involving drones and canine units. His white 1992 Isuzu Rodeo was found abandoned on June 22 on Leppy Pass Road, just north of Wendover. Inside the SUV, deputies discovered a few drops of blood.
It doesn't feel real. I don't know how to take it.
–Omar Cornejo
"They're treating it like a homicide, that there was foul play involved," said Omar Cornejo. "It doesn't feel real. I don't know how to take it. A lot of mixed emotions."
Despite the outcome, the Cornejo family expressed deep gratitude for the community's support. "I just really appreciate it, appreciate all the support. May God bless them," Omar said.
A *GoFundMe has been established to help the family with funeral expenses.
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