UPDATE: The body of the missing Millcreek man was found in Neffs Canyon on Oct. 31. (Read here)
SALT LAKE CITY – The family of a missing 80-year-old Millcreek man says they’re still holding out hope that someone saw him before he went missing.
Fritz Helland was last seen Oct. 24th. Family says he went on his daily walk with his miniature doberman pinscher. When no one had seen or heard from him by the next day, family became worried.
“I called the police,” said Jacob Helland, Fritz’s son. “My sister called right after and that’s when we put things together.”
Helland says Fritz grew up in Norway and immigrated to Utah in the 1950s. He has four children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They are all heartbroken at his disappearance.
“To have him gone and not be able to find him doesn’t make any sense,” said Jacob.
His family says Fritz is in good physical condition, but does suffer from minor memory loss. Over the weekend, hundreds of volunteers joined family searching 17 square miles of the city. Police say it’s unusual for someone to completely vanish in the middle of the city.
“It’s not a desolate area,” said Unified Police Lieutenant Justin Hoyal. “It’s a full neighborhood and we’re really surprised we haven’t found him.”
Family members set up a blog to track tips and search updates. Organized efforts are over, but police are urging people in Salt Lake County and surrounding areas to check sheds, trailers and other areas for signs of Fritz.
“We’re prepared for whatever outcome might be,” said Jacob. “[We] realize with each passing day, it’s not good. We’d just like to find him, bring some closure.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Unified Police at 801-743-7000.
