Hailey Mason

On July 2, 2024 we lost our sweet, beautiful, fierce, compassionate, loving Hailey in a tragic kayaking accident.

Hailey Marie Mason came into the world in a rush on December 18, 1995, to Clinton Jay Mason and LeeAnn Shupe Salisbury. She grew up in Copperton, Utah where she made many lifelong friends. She graduated from Riverton High School and attended Utah State University.

Hailey loved being out in the natural world. The mountains were her favorite place. Hiking, camping, and kayaking brought her peace, healed her soul, cleared her mind, and made her happy.

Hailey was fierce and determined in her convictions. She was a protector and a compassionate soul, always aware of those around her and on the lookout for ways to help. She loved unconditionally. We have many memories and stories of Hailey going out of her way to help people. Since her passing, we have been flooded with messages from friends and acquaintances sharing their experiences and memories of Hailey’s kindness and love.

Hailey’s love extended beyond people. Her mother will never forget the day Hailey found a lost cat in the rain. It was miles from any neighborhood and Hailey was distraught about how she was going to find its family. She called her mother in tears, covered in bleeding scratches, to ask for help. Thankfully she found the owners as they were out driving around in the rain looking for the lost pet.

Hailey had her demons, as we all do, but she was well on her way to beating them and leaving them behind her. We are so proud of her and her determination to never give up. She was fiercely independent and while quick to serve others, she had to learn to accept service from others. She came to understand that we all need help from time to time, and her struggles deepened her compassion.

We are overwhelmed by and so grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received from friends and family. It is a testament to us of how loved Hailey is and how many lives she touched. Our hearts are broken as we try to comprehend a world without her special smile, laugh, and the sunshine that followed her everywhere she went.

We thank the members of the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Wasatch County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, and Utah State Park Service who worked into the night to find her quickly so we could begin the unimaginable task of saying goodbye. We also want to thank her close friend Downward for all the love and support he gave her and the love and support that he continues to give us.

Hailey is preceded in death by her sister Taylor Elizabeth Mason and loving grandparents on all sides.

Hailey is survived by her parents LeeAnn Salisbury (Neil), Clinton Mason (Michelle), sisters Shelby Xanthos (Jordan), Lauren Winsett (Austin), Riley Ruiz (Christopher), Samantha Stocki, brothers Wyatt Salisbury and Garrett Salisbury as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, and five adoring nephews.

A celebration of Hailey’s life will be held at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary in South Jordan, Utah on Saturday July 13, 2024 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am with interment to follow at Bingham City Cemetery in Copperton, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Herding Haven in Hailey’s name. www.herdinghaven.org Hailey would be honored to be remembered by blessing the life of an animal.