On Saturday, volunteer Iron County Search and Rescue team member Leroy Davenport was searching about 80 miles from Cedar City when he got stuck in the snow. After exerting himself to get free, Davenport, 37, went home complaining that he wasn't feeling well, Gower said. He died early Sunday morning.

The first comments Tamitha had for the media Wednesday night were to express gratitude for all the searchers and her condolences to Davenport's family.

"To us, his sacrifice is no different than a police officer, firefighter or soldier laying down their life for their country," Krystal Garner, the couple's daughter, said in a statement.

Their dog, Medusa, is at the Cedar City Animal Shelter.

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Contributing: Aaron Falk

E-mail: preavy@desnews.com; nperkins@desnews.com; bwinslow@desnews.com