SALT LAKE CITY, April 5 (UPI) -- A group of Utah volunteers who planned to assist in the search for a missing mother of two will not be allowed to join the effort, authorities said.
Cache County residents had planned to help look for Susan Cox Powell, who disappeared from her West Valley City, Utah, home Dec. 7, 2009 under suspicious circumstances, The Salt Lake Tribune reported Monday.
The search area is in the region where Powell's husband, Joshua Powell, told police he went camping with the couple's two young boys the night his wife disappeared, the Tribune said. Local police and sheriffs say the search area in Utah's western desert is dangerous and volunteers could be at risk.
The search would be limited to trained professionals, Bridgerland Fire Co. Chief Jon Watkins said.
"Among concerns raised are safety, logistical, liability issues, the possible destruction of evidence, searchers becoming lost or injured, searchers encountering wildlife, parking issues, spotty cell phone reception, and no medical facility within 50 miles," Watkins said. "We are very appreciative of everyone who has shown their willingness to help. We ask that you keep Susan, her family, and the many trained professionals who will be combing the (area) on April 10 in your thoughts and prayers."
