Missing 19-Year-Old Girl Nicole Bennett Found Dead by a Family Member at the Trail

"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 about the heartbreaking fate of a missing teenager.

Nicole Bennett, a 19-year-old Utah woman known for her deep devotion to church life and her creative talent in cake decorating, was found dead on January 14, 2026, just one day after she disappeared.

Despite hours of searching by trained rescue teams through the night, it was ultimately a member of her own family who made the devastating discovery. But what investigators later revealed was truly eye-opening.

A Family's Worst Fear Comes True

The nightmare began late on Tuesday, January 13, when the Washington County Consolidated Communications Center received a frantic emergency call shortly before midnight. Nicole's family reported that she had been gone far too long and had not returned home.

They believed she had gone hiking, something she was familiar with, but as the hours passed with no word from her, panic set in. Authorities from the Washington County Sheriff's Office were immediately alerted.

Not long after, Nicole's car was located at the Red Cliff Recreation Area, setting off an urgent search-and-rescue operation. Ground teams worked tirelessly for hours, supported by air units using drones.

The Utah Department of Public Safety Star 9 aircraft was also deployed, scanning the rugged terrain from above.

By 4:30 a.m., however, the search had to be suspended. Poor lighting and dangerous conditions made it too risky to continue covering such a large area. Deputies informed the family that efforts would resume at 7 a.m.

But waiting was impossible.

Unable to sit still while their loved one remained missing, Nicole's family began searching the area themselves early Wednesday morning. But at 7:07 a.m., dispatch received the call no one should have to make.

According to Sgt. Paul, a family member found Nicole's body.

Later that day, the sheriff's office released a statement on Facebook confirming the discovery and emphasizing that the investigation was still active. Authorities also urged the public to stay away from the area as detectives worked to piece together what had happened.

A Promising Life Cut Short

It is difficult to imagine danger befalling someone so young, especially someone known for kindness, faith, and service.

Nicole was deeply involved in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had been preparing for a mission trip to Italy, a journey she was eagerly anticipating. She was also known for her talent in cake decorating, often using her skills to bring joy to others.

Tragically, that future will never come.

As the investigation unfolded, authorities determined that Nicole's death was most likely accidental. Officials believe she fell while hiking through a steep section of the Red Reef Trail. "Unfortunately, this area is treacherous, and it can be dangerous at times," Sgt. Paul explained.

He also revealed a sobering statistic. That specific area is notorious for emergencies and rescues. In fact, the sheriff's office received the highest volume of rescue calls in the state, carrying out 130 retrieval operations in 2025 alone.

According to Nicole's family, she was an experienced hiker who had been through the area before. But this tragedy has served as a harsh reminder that experience does not always protect against nature's dangers.

Sgt. Paul urged hikers to take every possible precaution, bring proper supplies, and avoid hiking alone, especially in unfamiliar terrain.

The Silence Left Behind

Nicole's body was transported to the Medical Examiner's Office, where a full autopsy will determine her official cause of death.

While authorities asked the public to respect the family's privacy during this painful time, her grandmother later shared details with another local hiker, Ron Graham.

Graham spoke about Nicole's upcoming mission to Italy and added, "[She] was approaching a birthday, I believe she said, next week."

Additionally, he described how the trail usually feels alive, surrounded by towering canyon walls and the sound of running water. But his hike on Wednesday was nothing like usual.

"Today as I walked in there all alone, it, it felt like a tomb," he said. "Where it's normally busy with lots of folks and families and kids and had a whole different feel today."

Remembering Nicole Bennett

As news of Nicole's death spread, social media filled with grief, love, and remembrance.

Darillyn Southworth shared a post on January 14, writing that she was devastated by the loss and calling Nicole the "ultimate hype girl for bringing others unto Christ."

"She made every room brighter and every person in it feel welcome. She was a talented musician and baker. She made Kimber the most exquisite mermaid cake for her birthday. She was so excited to serve her mission in Italy," she wrote.

Another family friend, Heather Bringhurst Ence, described Nicole as "extraordinary." She shared that the young woman loved helping others, dedicated her time to raising money for those in need, and lived her life with remarkable selflessness.

She also spoke directly about the Bennett family, writing, "Her family reflects that same kindness, generosity, and love. They are truly one of the most incredible families we know, and our hearts ache for them as they walk through this unimaginable loss."

In the same post, Heather shared a Venmo link connected to Nicole's account for those who wished to help. She added that while donations were appreciated, prayers were just as meaningful.

Nicole's life was brief, but her impact was deep. We offer our condolences to the Bennett and their loved ones during this difficult time.