The search for a 19-year-old woman from Utah, who was on the cusp of embarking on a religious mission to Italy, has ended in tragedy. Nicole Bennett was reported missing on Tuesday after she failed to return from a solo hike.
Discovery at Red Cliffs Recreation Area
Nicole Bennett's car was located at the trailhead of the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, prompting an immediate emergency response from local police. The popular hiking spot, known for its striking desert scenery, became the focus of an intensive search operation involving authorities and volunteers.
Early on Wednesday morning, the desperate hunt concluded in heartbreak. A family member who had joined the search efforts discovered Bennett's body. Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate her death was accidental, resulting from a fall.
A Life of Faith and Service Cut Short
At the time of her death, Bennett was actively preparing to serve a voluntary mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Italy. A GroupTogether page set up for her family revealed her imminent plans. Her body was found with her scriptures, a mission preparation guide, and an Italian dictionary beside her.
In a poignant statement, her family sought to provide clarity and reassurance, writing: 'We want to provide reassurance that her death was the result of an accident, not suicide, and thank you for your concern.' Mission trips, typically lasting one to two years, are a rite of passage for many young Mormon adults, involving evangelism and humanitarian work.
Remembered as a 'Hype Girl' for Christ
Tributes from friends and family paint a picture of a vibrant, selfless, and faithful young woman. Family friend Darillyn Southworth described Bennett on Facebook as 'the ultimate hype girl for bringing others unto Christ', who brightened every room and was a talented musician and baker.
Another friend, Heather Bringhurst Ence, wrote of her extraordinary compassion: 'She devoted her time and energy to raising money to feed and support people in need... The world is better because she was in it.' Local hiker Ron Graham recounted speaking with Bennett's grandmother, who shared that the teenager was excited about her future and an approaching birthday.
Sergeant Jacob Paul of the local police expressed the difficulty of the situation, telling KUTV: 'It's one of the harder situations that we have to deal with... I can't imagine what the family's going through right now.' He noted that as a local, Bennett was known to hike the area regularly. The Bennett family has requested privacy as they navigate this profound loss.
