NEED TO KNOW
- Chad Burningham was reported missing after he was last seen heading to a bathroom at a campsite in Soldier Canyon, Utah, on Monday, July 14
- The 42-year-old is diabetic and might require medical help
- “There’s no indication that he would have left voluntarily, but we haven’t ruled that out entirely,” Sgt Lerdahl of the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office said
Search efforts are underway to find a camper with diabetes who has been missing for two days in Utah.
Chad Burningham, 42, was last seen leaving a campsite while camping with friends in Soldier Canyon, Stockton, at around 8:00 a.m. local time on Monday, July 14, KSL TV 5 reported, citing the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office.
“They suggested it looked like he was heading toward some bathrooms, but he never returned. There was no communication — he just started walking off, ” Sgt. Dane Lerdahl of the sheriff’s office said.
Burningham has a slender build with blonde hair and was last seen wearing a blue and white hoodie and khaki shorts, per KSL TV 5. He is diabetic, and it is unknown if he brought his insulin pump with him, making his disappearance all the more concerning.
“He is diabetic. Family has told us he should have his insulin pump, but we haven’t been able to confirm that,” Sgt. Lerdahl said, per KSL TV 5. “His medical condition is something we’re taking very seriously, and we’re trying everything we can to locate him.”
Tooele County Sheriff’s deputies began their search on Monday night. Local Search and Rescue teams assisted with the search using helicopters, drones, and scent-detection dogs, according to KSL TV 5.
“There’s no indication that he would have left voluntarily, but we haven’t ruled that out entirely,” Sgt. Lerdahl said.
The search conditions have proved difficult as the campsite ground is “densely vegetated,” making “limited” visibility in the area. Temperatures have also reached 92°F, authorities told KSL News Utah.
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Anyone who comes across Burningham is urged to step in to help, as he might need medical attention.
“If he’s low—going into diabetic shock—that’s our biggest fear,” Sgt. Lerdahl said, per KSL TV 5. “Gatorade or anything you’ve got to try and help him out. But the most important thing is to get medical attention immediately.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information about Burningham’s whereabouts to contact 435-882-5600.
PEOPLE reached out to the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office for comment, but they did not immediately respond.
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