80-year-old hiker who fell on Sundial Trail identified

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — The 80-year-old hiker who tragically fell while on a trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon over the weekend has been identified by the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office as Mohammad Abdullah on Tuesday, July 2.

Abdullah had gone on a hike up the Sundial Trail alone at about 6 a.m. on Sunday, June 30. When he didn’t return home that night, his wife reported him as overdue, prompting an immediate response from the Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team.

With the help of a helicopter from the Department of Public Safety, Abdullah’s body was found around 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 1. His body was recovered shortly before noon.

Initial reports said Abdullah had fallen over 50 feet, however, in an update provided on Tuesday, Sheriff Rosie Rivera said he had fallen over 200 feet. Brittany Karzen, the communications director with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, told ABC4.com Abdullah appeared to be an experienced hiker and had the proper equipment to hike the trail.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and our hearts go out to Mr. Abdullah’s family during this difficult time,” said Sheriff Rivera.

The Sheriff’s Office did not disclose how he had fallen the great distance.

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