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Missing Chandler man found dead near Pittman Valley

WILLIAMS, Ariz. - The search for Ethan Depler, 21, of Chandler Arizona is over after law enforcement found Depler's body Sept. 25 near Williams.

Depler was the subject of a missing person investigation by the Chandler Police Department. The search extended to Coconino County after he was believed to be somewhere in northern Arizona.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. the Coconino County Sheriff's Office received a call from a U.S. Forest Service employee who found Depler's vehicle, described in the missing person flyer, off Forest Service Road 75, located north of Pittman Valley off I- 40.

Deputies from both the Flagstaff and Williams' patrol divisions responded to the area and began a ground search. Within a short period of time deputies located Depler's body on a wooded knoll approximately 100 to 150 yards west of where his vehicle was parked. The body was removed to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office.

Detectives and investigators are considering the possibility of death from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Depler had been experiencing mental health problems prior to his disappearance. Depler's friends had contacted Chandler Police Department after he posted a concerning message on Facebook. After his disappearance, officers made contact with his family where they discovered a letter in his room explaining his plan to end his life.


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