SALT LAKE CITY – A person who lives in a homeless camp set up in the front yard of a Salt Lake City man died on Sunday morning, according to the property owner and the Salt Lake City police.
“The doctor was called to that camp this morning, just after six in the morning,” said Lt. Brian Sloan of the Salt Lake City Police Department. “When the doctor arrived, they found the 45-year-old woman in the tent who had died.”
Salt Lake City resident, Darin Mann, 31, opened his yard for homeless people about a week ago, in response to what he calls the “homeless crisis” in the city.
“I really wanted to create this space as a haven for people,” said Mann. “But it was very clear to me that we have to find a community solution that is lasting.”
He plans to start a GoFundMe campaign to build a small village to help shelter the homeless.
“If we can get funds as a community, and we can start proposing a community solution, then the city must start moving forward with us in this endeavor,” said Mann emphatically.
Salt Lake City police said the cause of the woman’s death is still being investigated by the coroner’s office, adding that the results are expected to be released in the coming days. The police are working with the Salt Lake County Health Department to take those living in Mann’s front yard to shelters.
“We plan today to send some social workers to that area to see if we can give some help to the people who are camped there to see if we can provide them with shelters to go and some transport to get there,” Ten. Sloan added.
Mann received a code violation last week after city officials received several complaints about the camp. He was forced to clean everything up.
“I think there are a lot of health problems,” said Lt. Sloan. “Especially when you have a large group of people camping together like that. There are health and safety concerns, which is where the health department gets involved.”
“It is an absolute tragedy,” said Mann. “Meeting this woman was a great blessing.”
Mann said he will work with city and county officials to help those who live on his property find shelters and other resources for the homeless. The Salt Lake County Department of Health has not yet responded to FOX 13’s request for comment.
This is a developing story. Updates will be added as they are received.