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KANAB CITY — The body of a missing 30-year-old man was recovered from the Jackson Flat Reservoir in Kanab City Saturday afternoon.
The Kane County Sheriff's Office said Abraham Knudson of Kanab was first reported missing at 5 p.m. Friday. Officials say a "female acquaintance" last saw him near the reservoir.
Search and rescue crews activated a ground and water search with assistance from a medical helicopter from Page, Arizona. Search dogs and crews on kayaks searched for several hours into the night but didn't find Knudson.
The Utah Department of Public Safety Dive Team with a specially equipped boat reported to the scene Saturday morning. Using sonar equipment, the team was able to locate a possible image and deploy divers.
At approximately 1:15 p.m. two divers found the man in 14 feet of water and brought him to the surface. He matched Knudson's description and was determined dead at the scene. The official cause of death is under investigation and will be determined by the Utah State Medical Examiner's Office.
"The Jackson Flat Reservoir is a popular recreation sport for many people," wrote Kanab City Police Chief Tom Cram in a statement. "Fishing, swimming and kayaking are some of the activities that people enjoy. Law enforcement would like to remind people of the dangers of recreating on or around the water."
Cram advised using good judgment and wearing life jackets whenever possible.