Missing motorcyclist found dead a mile from where bike was stuck in snow, Utah cops say

A motorcyclist called his family for help when he got stuck in whiteout conditions, Utah police said. He was later found dead.

Blake Baxter, a 65-year-old from Springville, Utah, went riding in Maple Canyon on Sunday, May 8, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office said.

He left his home at about 2 p.m., but about six hours later he called his family for help. Baxter got stuck in the snow.

His family called police to help, and a search-and-rescue operation began. However, due to the snow, the search had to be called off at about 4 a.m. on Monday, May 9, the sheriff’s office said.

The search continued “at first light,” deputies said. A helicopter crew scoured the area.

At about 3 a.m., Baxter’s motorcycle, helmet and gear were found in the canyon. They were left at an elevation of about 8,200 feet, the sheriff’s office said.

His body was found more than 9 hours later. It was a mile from where his motorcycle was found.

Detectives are investigating the incident and Baxter’s body was taken to a medical examiner’s office.

“The cause of his passing is not known at this time,” deputies said in a news release. “It could have been exposure to the cold and snow or a pre-existing medical condition.”

This story was originally published May 10, 2022 at 12:11 PM with the headline "Missing motorcyclist found dead a mile from where bike was stuck in snow, Utah cops say."