BOX ELDER COUNTY — Authorities have identified the man found deceased in the Silver Island Mountains on July 12, 2025, as Michael Steven Comstock. Preliminary findings indicate the 62-year-old Sandy man’s death was a result of exposure combined with a cardiac event.
Box Elder County Chief Deputy Sheriff Cade Palmer said Comstock’s vehicle and an empty UTV trailer were located off Interstate 80 in Tooele County. His body was found approximately 20 miles from his vehicle. Investigators believe Comstock rode his UTV north into the mountains, became separated from it for unknown reasons, and was attempting to walk back to his vehicle.
The Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue Team have been unable to locate Comstock’s UTV, described as a 2008 Polaris Ranger. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding its whereabouts to contact the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office Detective Tip Line at (435) 734-6530.
Palmer extended condolences to Comstock’s family and friends. He also reminded the public visiting remote areas of Box Elder County to always be prepared with ample supplies of water and food, and to inform a trusted contact of their travel plans.