Overview
- A 59-year-old hiker collapsed near the summit of the east peak of American Fork Twin Peaks and was pronounced dead after responders reached him following a summer thunderstorm.
- The victim was identified by the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office as Craig Nelson, who had been hiking with his brother when he fell about 20 feet from him.
- Weather delayed ground access and a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter located the hiker once a temporary clearing developed, and Snowbird Ski Patrol escorted the surviving brother off the mountain.
- The Salt Lake County sheriff’s investigation remains open while the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner reviews cause and manner of death.
- Authorities warned that afternoon storms and lightning can develop rapidly on exposed ridgelines and urged hikers to start early, descend from summits when storms approach, avoid lone trees and water, and adopt low crouch positions if shelter is not available.