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Search-and-rescue crews located a "severely autistic" man who was reported missing after his father died while the duo was backpacking in Utah County.
Responders found Michael Laughlin, 21, of West Jordan, about 11:45 a.m. Saturday. Laughlin and his father, 57-year-old Charles Laughlin, had been passing through Jacob's Ladder on their "last hurrah backpacking trip of the summer," said Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Cannon.
The search for Michael Laughlin, who has low-functioning autism, began Friday after hikers found the body of Charles Laughlin about 2:30 p.m. and called police.
Charles Laughlin likely died from a medical episode, Cannon said, though his body will be sent to a medical examiner for confirmation. No foul play is suspected.
The two were last heard from Thursday afternoon — shortly after they set off — and were anticipated to return from their trip Saturday. The father and son had previously gone on longer hiking trips.
Michael Laughlin, Cannon said, will be reunited with his mother.
Twitter: @CourtneyLTanner