Body found in foothills of Cedar City, possibly remains of missing person

CEDAR CITY, Utah (ABC4) — A body was found July 11 near the eastern foothills of Cedar City, and police believe it could be the remains of a missing person.

According to the Cedar City Police Department (CCPD), at around 4 p.m., a deceased male was found less than two miles from where a missing person, Steven James Oakeson, was last seen. Oakeson was reported missing on July 8, and he was last seen on July 5.

The remains were exposed to the elements, and so a medical examination is going to be conducted in order to determine the identity of the deceased.

Because police believe the remains may be Oakeson, the search for Oakeson has been suspended pending the results of the medical examination.

CCPD thanked the Utah Highway Patrol Aero Bureau and the Iron County Search and Rescue Team for their efforts in assisting with the search for Oakeson.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones during this difficult time and appreciate the community’s support and concern throughout the search,” CCPD wrote in a social media post.