Utah Man Dead After Drowning at Sand Hollow State Park

July 7, 2022

HURRICANE, Utah — A Utah man is dead following an incident at Sand Hollow State Park in late June.  

On June 25, at approximately 11:35 a.m., state park law enforcement rangers were alerted to a possible drowning inside Sand Hollow State Park boundaries, near the jumping rocks area. 

According to witnesses, 20-year-old Juan Gaspar Martin of Milford, Utah had been swimming in the area and then began struggling to keep his head above water. Friends, family, and other bystanders were able to bring him out of the water and perform CPR until park rangers arrived. 

Upon arrival, rangers took over life-saving measures until additional medical personnel arrived and transported him to St. George Regional Hospital. Unfortunately, on Monday, June 27, Martin had not regained brain activity and was pronounced dead. 

Juan Gaspar Martin is not believed to have been jumping from the rocks at the time of the accident. He was not wearing a life jacket. 

The Utah Division of State Parks extends our condolences to his friends and family impacted by this tragedy. The incident remains under investigation at this time. 

With the recreation season now underway, and with multiple incidents occurring across the state, outdoor recreators should work diligently to keep safety a top priority. Always recreate with a buddy, wear your life jackets and helmets, and always let somebody know where you are going and when to expect your return. Checking weather conditions and water temperatures is also vital. 

To learn more about Utah’s state parks, safety tips, and laws and rules, visit stateparks.utah.gov.