Donovan Campbell drove his Ford Ranger from his home in River Falls, Wis., west to the canyons of Utah, a spot he loved visiting as a child.
He didn’t return home.
The body of the 19-year-old bright, mathematics college student was found in a ravine of Eagle Canyon in central Utah on Saturday, April 13, according to the Emery County sheriff’s report relayed by the River Falls police and Campbell’s family.
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The cause of death has not been determined, but his mother, Cindy Campbell said authorities told her that it’s a possible suicide.
“He was bright and intelligent, and I can’t find the words,” Cindy Campbell said. “I can’t speculate why.”
Grandfather Dean Campbell said police told him that it appeared Donovan’s death might have been accidental.
“There were marks where he slipped,” Dean Campbell said he was told. “He was trying to grab on.”
Campbell added that on previous trips Donovan wanted to rock climb, but he and Donovan’s grandmother, Jean, thought it was too dangerous.
River Falls police relayed some details about Donovan’s death, but referred questions about the investigation and cause of death to the Emery County sheriff’s office. Phone calls to the Utah office were not returned Sunday.
Her son’s body is with a medical examiner in Salt Lake City, Cindy Campbell said.
Donovan Campbell, a 2011 River Falls High School graduate, was last seen by family on April 5, Cindy Campbell said. A missing person’s report was filed with River
Falls police on April 8, said police Sgt. Matt Kennett.
Early reports said that the teenager was believed to be depressed and there might be a concern for his safety.
Donovan Campbell was a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in math.
At River Falls High School, he excelled in challenging classes, said principal Elaine Baumann.
“He was an excellent student that took challenging classes and did surprisingly well,” Baumann said. “But he was also a loner, and he avoided the limelight.”
Donovan Campbell worked at Family Fresh Market, where he was a valued employee, Dean Campbell said.
Gary Campbell, no relation, was a guidance counselor at Meyer Middle School, which Donovan Campbell attended.
“He was a very nice kid, and you will hear that from others, too,” he said.
Dean Campbell said River Falls police told him that Donovan’s truck was heading east, telling him that Donovan was heading back home for his birthday April 19.
In River Falls, Campbell’s friends expressed condolences Saturday night to his mother and father, Dean Campbell.
“(Donovan) had good friends,” the elder Dean Campbell said, “but he was independent.”
