Search for hiker in Washington County called off

The search for a St. George hiker missing in Washington County has been called off.

Bryan Butas, 35, reportedly planned to go hiking alone July 30 in the area near Leeds. His car was found the next day near the Oak Grove campground in Dixie National Forest.

The search, which began a week ago, was called off Monday because no evidence has been found, but the investigation continues, said Rob Tersigni, a spokesman for the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Butas' mother, Kathy, said her son is an ex-Marine who is physically fit and has good survival skills. She fears he's been hurt.

Butas' wife and three children recently moved to Ohio, and Butas was planning to join them in December.

On Saturday, more than 100 volunteer searchers combed an area adjacent to the Pine Valley Mountain Wilderness Area, about eight miles west of Leeds. The search was scaled back Sunday with about 20 volunteers.