Teenager Trespassing on Private Property Found Drowned in Canal
A teenager who was trespassing with friends on private property in Beaver Dam Utah was found drowned in an irrigation canal Tuesday.
Canal swimming
18 year old Francisco Isreal Hilera and a small group of friends ignored the no trespassing signs and went swimming in the Cutler Dam Canal which flows through private property located northwest of Cutler Reservoir in Box Elder County. The group exited the canal but Hilera mistakenly continued on. His friends observed him go under the water and never resurface. His lifeless body was located by divers a few hours later.
Keep out
Fences or no trespassing signs are often placed on private property to keep out intruders and also limit access to areas which could pose a danger to the public. The Box Elder County Sheriff’s Department stated that trespassing in the Cutler Dam Canal is forbidden. Not only is it on private property, but swimming in the canal can be hazardous. Among other threats, the flow of water can move very quickly and the steep sides of the canals make it difficult to get out when needed.
“Ultimate price”
Out of compassion for the friends of Hilera, Box Elder Sheriff’s Department said the group will not be facing charges as “They’ve paid the ultimate price here; they’ve lost one of their friends.” Others who are caught trespassing in canals will be prosecuted however.
Trespassing laws
Utah Code 76-6-206 states trespassing is a class B misdemeanor if “knowing the person’s entry or presence is unlawful, the person enters or remains on property as to which notice against entering is given by: personal communication to the actor by the owner or someone with apparent authority to act for the owner; fencing or other enclosure obviously designed to exclude intruders; or posting of signs reasonably likely to come to the attention of intruders”. As any source of water may seem appealing to kids this summer, it is important to warn them of the criminal and hazardous consequences that can occur from swimming in canals or other private property.
