Chandler hunter found dead with gunshot wound
Apache County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the death of a Chandler man after his body was found with a gunshot wound to the chest at a forest camp south of Vernon, authorities said.
Around 5 p.m. Thursday, authorities received a call regarding an overdue hunter in the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, according to the Apache County Sheriff’s Office. The hunter, whose name is being withheld, was found around 6:30 p.m. at the campsite his family said he was at, deputies said.
The man had been hunting with a friend earlier in the week, officials said. When the friend left on Monday to return to work, the man stayed at the camp and told his friend he planned to return home on Wednesday.
When the man did not return home, his friend contacted the Sheriff’s Office, authorities said.
Investigators said there was no indication of foul play, and that the evidence indicates an accidental death. Deputies are still investigating to ensure nothing has been overlooked, said Sheriff Joseph Dedman.