Family of Missing Utah Hiker 'Can't Let Go of the Hope' as Second Week of Search Nears

Mar. 15, 2025

Howard Stone.Photo:Goblin Valley State Park/Facebook

Goblin Valley State Park/Facebook

The family of a missing hiker in Utah is trying not to lose hope that he will return home safely as the search for him enters its second week.

Church has since returned to her home in Illinois.

Howard Stone.Goblin Valley State Park/Facebook

Helicopters, specialty K9s and Civil Air Patrol have also been involved in the search.

But as the search for Stone begins approaching its second week, none of his personal items have been recovered and there has only been one brief potential sighting of him.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“In the last couple of days you know it’s been kind of disheartening to try to come to terms that they talk about it more as a recovery now,” she said.

“He’s a good dad, he’s a good grandpa and we want to bring him home,” Howard’s son Brandon toldFox 13of his father.

Stone’s family is still offering a cash reward for anyone who has information that will lead them to him.

source: people.com