Woman Dies While Hiking at Antelope Island State Park

ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK — A Utah woman is dead due to injuries sustained while hiking at Antelope Island State Park. 

At 6:30 a.m. Friday morning, 40-year-old Samantha Weigel of Syracuse, Utah, was dropped off at the marina of Antelope Island State Park. She had plans to hike the area throughout the day and then reunite with her family later that afternoon in the Frary Peak area. 

When Weigel did not arrive at the predetermined time, friends and family conducted a quick search of the area before calling for help. 

At approximately 6 p.m., state park rangers and staff, the Utah Dept. of Public Safety, and Davis County Search and Rescue began searching for Weigel. A DPS helicopter was also dispatched to assist. 

Just after 7 p.m, Weigel’s body was discovered in the Split Rock and Elephant Head area of the island. The retrieval was completed just after 11 p.m. The medical examiner also arrived and determined foul play is not expected at this time. 

While the incident remains under investigation, it appears Weigel had sustained serious head and neck injuries while on her hike. 

The Utah Division of Parks and Recreation extends our condolences to Weigel’s friends and family. We would also like to thank all the agencies and staff who assisted in the search and recovery efforts.