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Unified police are investigating a Little Cottonwood Canyon crash that left a 37-year-old Sandy man dead after his car veered off the road and into a ravine.

The Tanner Flat campground-area crash site was discovered by Jeremy Chase's family about 3:30 p.m. Friday, about 12 hours after they reported him missing to police, said Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal.

Chase, an Alta worker, had called family after leaving work about 6 p.m. Thursday to say he was on his way home, Hoyal said. He never arrived. Family reported him missing about 3 a.m. Friday, but officers didn't locate him, Hoyal said.

An initial investigation indicates Chase's car veered off the road as he drove down the canyon, crashing through a guardrail before landing on its top in the ravine about 30 feet from the road.

Chase, who was alone, was ejected from the vehicle. It's not yet clear whether he was wearing a seatbelt, Hoyal said.

Police also aren't sure if Chase was killed instantly, or if he initially survived the crash, but died from his injuries, Hoyal said.

No canyon accidents were reported on Thursday night and the crash site isn't immediately visible from the roadway, Hoyal said.