Editor’s note: The missing teen was found about two miles from the Crystal Lake Trailhead. According to Sheriff’s deputies he was airlifted to a nearby location for a reunion with his family. He was reported to be in good condition.
Joseph Schellenberg, a 17-year-old male from Rexburg, Idaho, has been missing since Monday night near Crystal Lake in the Uinta Mountains according to Summit County Detective Sergeant Ron Bridge.
“The male was camping with his parents on Monday and was last seen at 11 p.m. in his tent. His parents think he may have wandered away during the night,” said Bridge.
The teen has diminished mental capacity and operates on a six- to seven-year-old level, according to Bridge.
According to a press release from Summit County Sheriff Dave Edmunds, family members reported that the teen was missing Tuesday morning. He was last seen wearing a brown flannel shirt and blue jeans. The family was camping in the Long Lake Campground along the Mirror Lake Highway.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Wasatch and Summit Search and Rescue teams, Summit County deputies and Life Flight were in the area attempting to locate him. The public is not being asked to assist at this time.
Temperatures are expected to reach the low 40s overnight in the Uintas and according to the National Weather Service there was a chance of thunderstorms.