A Durango man reported missing Friday was found dead Sunday in the San Juan National Forest northeast of Mancos, said Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin.
Anthony James Dollarhide, 28, of Durango, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Montezuma County Coroner George Deavers.
A family member reported Dollarhide missing to the Durango Police Department on Friday evening, Nowlin said.
He was working at Durango Recycling Friday when he left during a lunch break and never returned, Nowlin said. Police and family searched for him and his 2018 red Toyota Corolla with Arizona plates.
Investigators located the vehicle Sunday afternoon by accessing an insurance tracking app installed in the vehicle. The app showed the car had stopped in the 13000 block of Montezuma County Road 44, also known as the Echo Basin Road.
When officers arrived, no one was in the vehicle. A drone was launched to survey the area, and Dollarhide’s body was found 280 yards northwest of where his car was parked on forest land. A suicide note was found in the car.
No foul play was suspected, Nowlin said. An autopsy by the Montezuma County Coroner’s Office determined that Dollarhide has taken his own life. Results of a toxicology were pending.
The investigation will continue, Nowlin said.
“He was well-liked. We’re working to figure out what may have led to this,” he said.
The case is being investigated by the Durango Police Department, Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol and Montezuma County coroner.
Four people have died by suicide in Montezuma County this year, Deavers said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, substance abuse or suicidal thoughts, help is nearby.
- Axis Health System: 24-hour crisis hotline at 970-247-5245 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. Axis offices are at Cortez Integrated Healthcare, 691 E. Empire St.
- Colorado Crisis Line: 1-844-493-8255, coloradocrisisservices.org Chat online or text TALK to 38255.
- Mental Health First Aid: mhfaco.org Get trained to recognize the signs and how to respond.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsp.org Join one of their upcoming walks for awareness in Colorado.
- Crisis Text Line: crisistextline.org Text 741741 from anywhere in the nation to reach a counselor.
- Second Wind Fund: thesecondwindfund.org Links students to mental health professionals and pays for up to 12 counseling sessions.
