Missing Colorado Officer Found Dead

First responders in Eagle County, CO, have ended their search for a deputy who had not been seen since Tuesday. He was found dead in the 2011 Dodge pickup truck he was last seen driving.

Staff Writer
June 28, 2019

The family of a Colorado sheriff’s deputy and volunteer firefighter who had been missing since Tuesday says Tayler Esslinger has been found deceased. The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office says Esslinger’s body was found inside his truck Friday morning in neighboring Garfield County, reports CBS.

Esslinger was 26 years old and worked as a sheriff’s deputy in Eagle County and a volunteer firefighter for the Gypsum Fire Protection District.

Esslinger’s family confirmed on Friday afternoon that he had been found deceased and had recently been struggling with the loss of his mentor. No other details surrounding his death were provided.

First responders in Eagle County, CO, had been searching for the deputy who was last seen Tuesday driving his black 2011 Dodge pickup truck.

The Eagle County Sheriff's Office posted pictures of the truck owned and operated by Deputy Esslinger on Facebook, asking for any information that may lead to knowing the whereabouts of the missing deputy.

The agency said, "We believe when he was last seen he was heading into mountains. If you have any information regarding Tayler or if you see this vehicle please contact the Eagle County Sheriff's Office or the Vail Public Safety Communications Center."

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