"The family appreciates your understanding and support as we process this incredibly difficult news," said the loved ones of Stanley Howe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/stanley-howe-1-023026-ff5379f410244fc8ad1eb13b5209cecf.jpg "Stanley Howe")
Credit: La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office
NEED TO KNOW
- A 45-year-old man was found dead on April 27, just over a week after he vanished in La Crosse, Wis.
- The man’s vehicle was discovered in a local nature preserve with his phone inside
- At the time of his disappearance, officials said he may have been undergoing a mental health crisis
The body of a missing 45-year-old man was found a week after his vehicle was discovered at a Wisconsin nature preserve with his phone inside.
On the afternoon of Monday, April 27, the search for Stanley Howe of La Crosse, Wis., ended when his body was located in the town of Shelby, CBS affiliate WKBT, the Vernon Reporter and NBC affiliate WEAU reported.
"We extend our deepest gratitude to the La Crosse County Sheriff's Office and the many community volunteers and organizations who dedicated their time and energy to the search for Stanley Howe," the man’s family said in a statement shared by officials, according to WKBT. "The family appreciates your understanding and support as we process this incredibly difficult news."
Credit: La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office
The La Crosse County Sheriff's Office and the La Crosse County Medical Examiner did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.
The search began on Sunday, April 19, after the 45-year-old man’s vehicle was found at the Paul E. Stry Nature Preserve in La Crosse, along with his cell phone, according to the Vernon Reporter. Officials said that Howe may have been undergoing a mental health crisis.
For days, multiple agencies and volunteers canvassed the area for signs of the missing man, according to the outlets. By Wednesday April 22, officials announced that Howe had yet to be found and the organized search was ending, the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office said in an alert.
“Anyone choosing to search independently, please do so safely and with caution. Please respect private property,” the agency said. “If you see Stanley, do not approach. Call 911 immediately so trained crisis personnel can respond.”
Credit: La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office
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Just days later, Howe’s body was found in a neighboring town. While his cause of death has yet to be announced, his family urged anyone “struggling” to seek help, WKBT reported.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.