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 Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information.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.
Sandra Yi ReportingAnother search is going on in Southern Utah, this one for a missing hiker from St. George. He was supposed to return from a weekend hiking trip Sunday morning.
Bryan Butas was supposed to take some friends to the airport on Sunday, but he never made it back from his hiking trip. His friends say something is definitely wrong.
On Friday Butas went for a hike in the Oak Grove area. The Forest Service found his car near the campground, but there's no sign of him.
Butas is an experienced hiker and a former marine. Friends say he knows the area well, so his disappearance may be an indication that he's in trouble.
Tyler Turman, Friend and Boss: "Bryan is definitely a very responsible individual, always on top of things, very responsible with his work effort, being on time. Like I said, he's got the marine mentality, very thorough in what he does, and it's definitely not like Bryan to not show up."
Friends say it's possible Butas may have gotten himself into a situation he can't get out of. The area where he disappeared is very rugged and steep. The Washington County Sheriff tells us the underbrush is so thick it will tear your clothes.
Since Monday, more than 130 searchers have combed the area by air and on the ground. The search, however, has been hampered by heavy rain.
The terrain also poses a challenge. At this point, searchers are assuming Butas is still alive. They plan to keep searching at least through Saturday.
Friends say, his wife and three kids moved to Ohio last week and he was supposed to join them in December. Butas' parents are flying to St. George from Ohio, to help with the search. Friends are also asking for volunteers to help.
Call the Washington County Sherrif's Office, for information.
