Toquerville man’s death ruled accidental, investigation concludes

TOQUERVILLE – The investigation into the death of 32-year-old Toquerville resident Jesse McFarlin has concluded after an autopsy determined it was accidental.

Jesse McFarlin, location and date unknown | Photo courtesy of Gayle McFarlin

Jesse McFarlin was last seen alive at approximately 1:45 a.m. on Aug. 25, 2012 in La Verkin. Four days later, he was found deceased at the bottom of a steep cliff in Toquerville, his vehicle parked at the nearby cemetery. His body was retrieved by Washington County Sheriff Search and Rescue and an investigation into his death was launched by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

According to autopsy results, Jesse McFarlin suffered multiple blunt force injuries due to his fall, including a fatal blow to the head. His death was ruled accidental and the investigation has now officially been closed.

“There was no evidence at the scene or anything found in the investigation that led us to believe that his death was anything other than an accident,” said Det. Nate Abbott, public information officer for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. “There was no one … nothing suspicious involved.”

Jesse McFarlin (left) and his mother Gayle McFarlin, location and date unknown | Photo courtesy of Gayle McFarlinfar

Jesse McFarlin is survived by his mother, Springdale resident Gayle McFarlin; and by his twin brother, Jason McFarlin and Jason’s McFarlin’s wife Cherry McFarlin and their daughter Gracie McFarlin.

A veteran of the Navy and carpenter by trade, Jesse McFarlin is remembered by family and friends as a fun-loving outdoor enthusiast with a big smile and bigger heart.

“He enjoyed life to the fullest,” Gayle McFarlin said. “Not only was he my son, he was my friend. I’m so thankful for all the loving memories (we shared.) I still can’t believe he’s really gone.”

In early September, a memorial service was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Springdale. A cross bearing Jesse McFarlin’s name now stands atop the cliff from which he fell.

Anyone wishing to send a note of condolence to the McFarlin family can do so at the Spilsbury Mortuary website.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2012, all rights reserved.

Memorial cross for Jesse McFarlin, Toquerville, Utah, Sept. 12, 2012 | Photo courtesy of Gayle McFarlin

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1 Comment

  • gail mcfarlin January 7, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    RIP Jesse McFarlin your family and many friends miss you more every passing day …. I go to sleep thinking of you and wake up thinking of you, miss you loud voice and your laughter and your forever willingness to reach out and help and the ability to make me and others smile. Until we meet again

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