Cause of death: Patrick Hayes was found dead Thursday morning near Ross Creek Trail, north of Jordan Reservoir, under suspicious circumstances. The Wasatch County Sheriff's Office identified the person. It has now been determined that it was a murder.
The deceased was identified as Patrick L. Hayes, 61, of Hideout, Utah.
After Hayes' autopsy, the state medical examiner's office ruled the cause of death a homicide. Officials said he was shot and killed there.
“We have been working closely with Mr. Hayes' family and are grateful for their cooperation and assistance,” the sheriff's office said in a news release.
Authorities received a report of a possible deceased individual near Ross Creek Trail on Sept. 26, around 11 a.m. When they arrived at their destination, the officers found Hayes dead on the shoulder of the road.
According to the sheriff's office, the initial investigation found a connection between the victim's death and a possible act of road rage. Officials believe the incident may have occurred on Sept. 25 at approximately 11 p.m
Investigators are still looking for a second vehicle that may have been involved in the incident. Officials speculate the vehicle may be a Jeep Gladiator or Rubicon with possible front-end damage.
A press release from the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office said, “We are asking the people in the other car to surrender.” “In order to deal with the situation, it is better that you turn yourself in as soon as possible.”
Officials say there is currently no indication that the public is in danger. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about this case to call the sheriff's office at 435-654-1411.
