Tragedy at Grantsville Reservoir: One Dead, Another Missing After Boat Sinks

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Tragedy at Grantsville Reservoir: One Dead, Another Missing After Boat Sinks

Grantsville, UT – April 25, 2025 — A somber mood has settled over the community of Grantsville following a devastating incident at the Grantsville Reservoir on Friday afternoon. A recreational boating trip ended in tragedy when a vessel reportedly sank, prompting a large-scale response from local emergency services, including search and rescue teams from Tooele County and the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP).

Authorities confirmed late Friday that one person had died in the incident, and another individual is still missing as search efforts continue into the evening hours. The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending family notification.

The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., when bystanders at the reservoir reported seeing a small boat capsizing about 200 yards from the shore. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with people in the water yelling for help as the boat quickly went under. Emergency calls were placed immediately, and first responders were dispatched to the scene within minutes.

“We received multiple 911 calls regarding a water emergency at the reservoir,” said Sgt. Jason Turner of the Utah Highway Patrol during a press briefing. “When crews arrived, they found debris and personal items floating in the water, and immediately initiated a rescue operation.”

Dive teams and watercraft were deployed to scour the area for survivors. According to officials, two individuals had been on board the boat at the time it capsized. One body was recovered approximately an hour later by divers in about 15 feet of water. The other individual remains unaccounted for.

As nightfall approached, authorities worked urgently to extend search efforts using floodlights, sonar equipment, and drones equipped with thermal imaging. The Tooele County Sheriff’s Office has also called in additional resources, including volunteer divers and cadaver dogs trained for water recovery missions.

Weather conditions at the time of the incident were reported to be relatively calm, though officials say they are still investigating whether a sudden shift in wind, overloading, or equipment failure may have contributed to the boat sinking.

“This is a heartbreaking event for our entire community,” said Grantsville Mayor Jeff Taylor in a statement released late Friday. “We are doing everything we can to assist the families affected, and we ask for the public’s prayers and cooperation as the investigation unfolds.”

The Utah Department of Public Safety is working in coordination with local agencies to determine the exact cause of the incident. Meanwhile, the reservoir has been temporarily closed to the public to ensure the safety of search crews and allow a thorough investigation to proceed without interference.

Grantsville Reservoir, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking, typically draws dozens of visitors each weekend. Locals expressed shock and grief as news of the accident spread throughout the small community.

“Things like this just don’t happen here,” said Emily Rodriguez, a Grantsville resident who often visits the reservoir with her children. “It’s tragic. You just hope they find that missing person and bring some closure to the family.”

Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. The UHP has also reminded the public about the importance of wearing life jackets and practicing safety precautions while on the water, especially as the spring recreation season gets underway.

Updates on the search and the ongoing investigation are expected to be provided by officials on Saturday.


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