Man missing from West Wendover area found dead days after vehicle was located

WENDOVER, Utah (ABC4) — A man reported missing from the West Wendover area was found dead several days after his vehicle was located north of Wendover.

According to Tooele County Sheriff’s Department, Salvador Canejo Pedraza was last seen by his family on June 20th in West Wendover. He left his home around 7 p.m. that night and did not report to work over the weekend, which was highly unusual for him. His family said that his wallet was left at home.

On June 22, Tooele County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle at the Leppy Pass area near the Salt Flats. They determined that the vehicle belonged to Pedraza.

Detectives were able to confirm that his vehicle passed through the I-80 Echo Port of Entry on June 21, and surveillance footage from a nearby gas station showed his vehicle traveling on Bonneville Speedway Road multiple times between June 20 and 21. According to the Sheriff’s Department, the vehicle was traveling towards the area where it was later found.

On July 1, the Sheriff’s Department stated that they had conducted multiple search efforts involving K9s, drones, and search and rescue teams since the vehicle was found, but Pedraza was not located.

On Thursday, the Sheriff’s Department posted on social media that Pedraza was found deceased. They stated that his death is actively being investigated and that additional information will be released as it becomes available.

They did not indicate whether foul play is suspected at this time.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Pedraza family during this difficult time,” Tooele County Sheriff’s Office wrote. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we allowed the family time to process this heartbreaking news before making a public announcement.”