Search is on for missing S.L. runner

She vanished after going for jog in Memory Grove

Published: Tuesday, July 20 2004 8:38 a.m. MDT

Detectives comfort Mark Hacking, husband of Lori Hacking, who did not return from an early morning run in Memory Grove Monday.

Chris Bergin, Deseret Morning News

Authorities and family members searched Monday for a pregnant woman who is missing after she went for an early morning run in Memory Grove.

Lori Kay Hacking, 27, left her Salt Lake house to run alone in Memory Grove Park and City Creek Canyon about 5:30 a.m. She did not show up later for her job at Wells Fargo Bank, Salt Lake police detective Dwayne Baird said.

Her husband called police at 10:49 a.m., Baird said.

Investigators found Hacking's car still parked near the front gates of Memory Grove. But there were no clues to her whereabouts. There were also no indications of an accident or foul play, Baird said.

"The only thing that's suspicious is that she hasn't returned," Baird said late Monday.

The search started shortly after her husband, Mark Hacking, called police.

Salt Lake police will coordinate a volunteer search this morning. The search will start at 7:30 a.m., but volunteers are asked to meet at 6:45 a.m. at the Olympic Medals Plaza parking lot on 250 West between North Temple and South Temple. Buses will transport people to Memory Grove. They will be divided into groups of 10 and given a grid map of areas to search. Police are hoping for 2,000 to 3,000 volunteers, Baird said.

"We want people to dress for hot weather, which means wear a hat for the bright sun. Bring sunscreen, plenty of water to keep hydrated. Wear hiking shoes or boots to be prepared to walk in wilderness-type terrain," Baird said.

Mark Hacking described himself late Monday as a combination of hopeful, devastated and overwhelmed.

A tearful Mark Hacking said he's grateful to people he doesn't even know who have volunteered to search for his wife. "It really blows me out of the water to see how many people care and are willing to give so much of themselves," he said.

Lori Hacking normally runs after work, except on Mondays, when Mark has the day off and they make plans. They were planning to see a movie.

"Usually, when she runs in the morning, I go with her. I just didn't today," he said Monday.

Her brother-in-law, Scott Hacking, described her as responsible. He said Lori Hacking has gone running about three times a week for four years. She runs five to six miles up Memory Grove and adjacent City Creek Canyon.

"She's very familiar with the area. She's in very good shape," Scott Hacking said.

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