St. George, Utah – A 19-year-old woman who was reported missing late Monday night was found dead early Wednesday morning in the Red Cliffs Recreation Area in Washington County, authorities confirmed. Search crews and family members spent several hours looking for the teen after her vehicle was discovered at a trailhead north of St. George.
Officials believe the young woman may have died after a fall while hiking, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Incident Overview
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as Nicole Bennett, a local resident known to frequently hike in the area. She was reported missing just before midnight on January 13, prompting an immediate response from deputies and search teams.
Shortly after the report was filed, deputies located Bennett’s vehicle parked at a trailhead within the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, raising concern that she may have been injured while hiking alone.
Timeline of Events
Search and Rescue operations began shortly after the vehicle was found and included air support, drones, and a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter. According to officials, the initial search continued until approximately 4:30 a.m., when efforts were temporarily paused due to darkness and the size of the terrain.
Crews planned to resume the search around 7 a.m., but members of Bennett’s family arrived earlier to begin looking on foot. Just after 7 a.m., a family member contacted county dispatch to report that Bennett’s body had been located.
Details From Law Enforcement
Authorities say the circumstances surrounding the death are still under investigation, but early findings point to a tragic accident.
“It’s one of the harder situations that we have to deal with, and we wish that we didn’t have to deal with situations like that,” said Sergeant Jacob Paul of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. “I can’t imagine what the family’s going through right now.”
Sgt. Paul stated that investigators believe Bennett died after falling while hiking in a steep section of the Red Reef Trail, a popular route within the recreation area.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Victim: Nicole Bennett, 19 years old
- Reported missing: Just before 12:00 a.m., January 13
- Vehicle found: Trailhead at Red Cliffs Recreation Area, north of St. George
- Search paused: Around 4:30 a.m. due to low visibility
- Body found: Shortly after 7:00 a.m. by a family member
- Suspected cause: Accidental fall while hiking
- Status: Death remains under investigation
Witness Accounts and Community Reactions
Several hikers were in the area later Wednesday morning, including Ron Graham, who said he spoke briefly with Bennett’s grandmother during the search.
“She was looking forward to going on a mission trip to Italy in the near future,” Graham said. “She was approaching a birthday, I believe next week. The loss of life seems tragic.”
Graham also described a noticeable change in the atmosphere along the trail.
“Today as I walked in there all alone, it felt like a tomb,” he said. “Where it’s normally busy with lots of folks and families and kids, it had a whole different feel today.”
Additional Context on Trail Safety
According to Sgt. Paul, the Red Reef Trail is among the more common locations for rescues in Washington County. He noted that the sheriff’s office handles one of the highest rescue call volumes in Utah, responding to approximately 130 rescues in 2025 alone.
Officials say seasonal conditions, uneven terrain, and steep drop-offs increase the risk of falls, especially for hikers traveling alone.
More safety guidance and updates from the agency can be found through the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Safety Awareness for Hikers
Law enforcement urges hikers to take extra precautions, particularly during early morning or low-light hours.
“Bring the supplies that you need with you,” Sgt. Paul said. “If you’re going to do a hike on a trail that you’re not familiar with, bring somebody else with you.”
Officials recommend carrying water, proper footwear, a charged phone, and letting someone know your planned route and return time.
Conclusion
The death of Nicole Bennett has deeply affected her family and the local community, highlighting the real dangers that can exist even on familiar and popular trails. As investigators continue working to determine the official cause of death, authorities are reminding outdoor enthusiasts to prioritize safety and preparation when hiking in southern Utah.
If you hike frequently in the area or have experienced a rescue or close call on local trails, share your experiences in the comments below.
