Body found in Virgin River identified as Rockville woman

Authorities in Washington County have identified a body found in the Virgin River this month as a missing Rockville woman.

Mary Soper, 64, disappeared Sept. 10 from her home in Rockville, said Springdale police Sgt. Garen Brecke. Soper was an active walker, so crews searched trails and canyons around her home, including in Zion National Park, Brecke said. An airplane, two helicopters and search dogs also were used, he said.

On Sept. 13, a Washington City man found the body near 2200 East off Washington Dam Road, police there have said.

A medical examiner confirmed Soper's identity this week and notified her family, Brecke said. The cause of her death has not been discovered, but the autopsy showed nothing suspicious, Brecke said. Police do not believe foul play was involved.

Officials told The Associated Press it appears Soper's body was carried by the river for about 30 miles before it was found.

Investigators in Springdale are trying to learn how Soper ended up in the river, Brecke said.