‘He loved the outdoors’: Missing man’s family speaks out after human remains found in Lake Powell

SOUTHERN UTAH (ABC4) — Earlier this week, the National Park Service located and extracted a vehicle and

human remains from Lake Powell that may belong to Dennis Keith Dillinger, missing since 2023. Today, his family spoke about their missing loved one.

Over Labor Day weekend, individuals found a vehicle in Lake Powell at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and informed law enforcement. On Tuesday, Sept 2nd, National Park Service personnel located the vehicle and found human remains inside. They were able to match the VIN to a 1991 Dodge Dakota truck belonging to Dennis Keith Dillinger.

On September 3rd, the vehicle was extracted from the water, and the human remains were transported to the Utah State Medical Examiner’s Office. While the Medical Examiner has not yet made an identification on the human remains, Dillinger’s family believes they finally have answers.

Dennis Keith Dillinger went missing in Kanab, Utah, in December of 2023 at 54 years old. He was last seen driving his truck in Kanab. His younger sister, Sheri Mersinger, spoke about their loss.

According to Mersinger, Dillinger’s truck was found due to Lake Powell’s water receding. It did not come as a surprise to his family that his truck was found in Lake Powell.

“It’s been almost two years. I had a knowing in my spirit that he was at Lake Powell. He loved that place,” Mersinger said, “He loved Lone Rock. It was a place he said brought him peace, so I was not surprised at all that they did find him there.”

Dennis also tried to share his love for the outdoors with his family, reportedly texting his family about getting together and renting a houseboat on Lake Powell, shortly before disappearing. His sister said, “He just loved the outdoors. That brought him peace and just tranquility.”

Sheri Mersinger further described her brother and his generous spirit. She said, “He would give you the shirt off of his back, and he never hesitated to pull over on the side of a road. If he saw somebody that was struggling or had car problems, he was a master mechanic, and he knew that was his gift. And he always helped people anytime he could.”

Reportedly, he would always call his loved ones on holidays and birthdays, so after his disappearance, they knew something was wrong.

As for next steps, Mersinger said, “Right now, we’re waiting for the full investigation. They have to do their due diligence, make sure that it actually is him in the truck. I have no doubt, but they know they have to do what they need to do.”

If they get confirmation that Dennis was in the truck, the family has had conversations on how they will put him to rest and honor him.

Either way. Mersinger shared that their family has experienced some personal resolution. She said, “I just want to say, I know, and the family knows where he is. He loved the Lord. He is in the loving arms of his father in heaven.”