SALT LAKE CITY — The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office has identified a severed human foot that washed ashore at Fish Lake, revealing a long-standing mystery connected to a missing person case from 1997. The foot was confirmed to belong to David White, who disappeared while on a fishing trip with friends nearly 26 years ago.
In an official statement, the sheriff’s office noted that White’s boat was discovered adrift on Fish Lake, with no sign of him on board. Investigators found his hat and a shoe floating in the water, leading them to believe he had fallen into the lake.
The investigation took a significant step forward when the remains were sent to the Utah Medical Examiner’s Office. DNA testing confirmed that the foot belonged to David White, matching with a 99.9994% accuracy to samples from one of his daughters.
White’s daughter, Stefanie Bennett, expressed her gratitude towards the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office and various individuals who played crucial roles in the search, particularly the person and their dog who discovered the shoe on the lakeshore. “Without them, we would not be where we are today,” she stated.
This case highlights the importance of ongoing investigative efforts in resolving long-missing person cases. Despite the tragic circumstances, the identification of David White brings closure to his family after years of uncertainty, reminding us of the enduring strength families exhibit in seeking truth and justice.
The incident also underscores the vital roles that community members and law enforcement play in solving such puzzling cases, fostering a sense of hope for others who may still be seeking answers regarding their loved ones.