Craig Nelson, 59, has been identified as the hiker who died after an apparent lightning strike near American Fork Twin Peaks on Saturday, according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Nelson was found unresponsive by first responders and was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the sheriff's office, Nelson and his brother had ridden the Snowbird Tram on Saturday morning with plans to hike to American Fork Twin Peaks, a route they had completed many times previously.
The brothers observed storm clouds moving into the area around 10:30 a.m. and stopped for lunch to monitor the weather. After seeing no lightning, they chose to continue the hike.
By approximately 11:40 a.m., the pair reached the Twin Peaks area. Nelson's brother reached the east peak first and decided to turn back as conditions worsened. Nelson continued toward the summit, where he appeared to be struck by lightning and collapsed.
Nelson's brother, positioned about 20 feet away, returned toward the tram area to find someone to call 911. Emergency dispatchers received the call shortly after noon.
A large-scale response included search and rescue crews, sheriff's deputies, Alta marshals, Snowbird Ski Patrol, Unified Fire Authority, and the Utah Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau. A DPS helicopter was used to transport personnel to the scene where crews recovered Nelson's body.
Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera issued a statement saying that hearts go out to Mr. Nelson's family and loved ones and requested that the public and media honor the family's privacy.
The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.
The sheriff's office reminded hikers that mountain weather can change quickly. Officials encouraged people to monitor forecasts, leave exposed ridgelines if storms develop, and seek shelter as soon as possible.
