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Report From Skyline Journey
July 15, 2002
Skyline Journey Wilderness Program in Nephi Utah extends their heartfelt condolences to the family of Ian
August, 14, of Austin, Texas, who died in the field on Saturday, July 13. According to Jeff Johnson, Admissions Director for
Skyline Journey, the Monday, July 15 story appearing in the Salt Lake City Tribune is an accurate description of the unfortunate
death of their program participant. Ian August died after becoming dizzy, sitting down, and refusing to hike further. “An emergency
medical technician who was part of the group recognized August was in trouble and summoned Mark Wardle, program manager for Skyline
Journey, who called 911 from his cell phone. The Millard County Sheriff’s Office sent deputies, an ambulance, search-and-rescue
personnel and a Life Flight helicopter to the remote area. Employees of Skyline Journey performed CPR on August, who died before
emergency personnel arrived.
According to Lee Wardle, program director, the group had only hiked one and a half miles during the last three and one half hours,
and Ian had just finished drinking his third quart of water. The state medical examiner completed an autopsy during the weekend, but
it was inconclusive. Morgue clerk Jason Ihrig said they are awaiting toxicology reports that can take as long as six weeks to
complete, before ruling on the cause of death. “The sheriff’s office called the cause of death ‘a heart attack or similar medical problem.’”
Kelly Husbands, with the State of Utah Licensing Board, who directly oversees the Skyline Journey program, was in the
field and at the Skyline office, this past weekend, investigating the incident. He informed Skyline that at this point in their investigation,
Skyline has complied with all state regulations, and they can find no wrongdoing. Further information will be released as soon as it
is available. Woodbury Reports joins The Skyline Journey staff in expressing their sincere condolences to Ian’s family.
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