BY LINDA BENTLEY | NOVEMBER 3, 2010
Body of missing mountain biker found on Section 16
PHOENIX – The search is now over for Howard George Deshler, 69, whose body was discovered by a family member on Wednesday morning in an undeveloped desert area of the Lennar/Pulte Lone Mountain community under construction on Section 16 in northeast Phoenix, only about a mile from his home.
Deshler, an avid bicyclist, was last seen leaving his home near 56th Street and Lone Mountain Road at around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31 to go for a ride.
When he didn’t return home after several hours and didn’t answer his cell phone, a missing persons report was filed.
According to a spokesman with the Phoenix Police Department Missing Persons Unit, Deshler appeared to be involved in a bike-related accident and there were no indications of foul play. However, he stated an official cause of death would not be known until the medical examiner makes that determination.
Sgt. Trent Crump said people should ride with someone else or at least tell someone where they are going and turn their cell phones on. Although, in this instance, he didn’t believe that would have helped Deshler, who appeared to have died instantly at the spot where his body was found.
Deshler carried a cell phone but it was turned off, which also indicated he didn’t attempt and, most likely, was unable to call for help.
However, had his phone been turned on, the search would have been narrowed down to a more specific area, which, in some situations, Crump said could make the difference between life and death.
Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump held a brief media conference Wednesday morning on Section 16 shortly after the body of Howard George Deshler was discovered. Deshler had been missing since Oct. 31 when he left the house to go for a bike ride.
Phoenix Fire Department and Community Assistance personnel, followed by a Channel 3 van, parked on 64th Street and Lonesome Trail as they assessed the best way to reach Deshler’s body on Section 16.
Phoenix firefighters are seen walking back out from the remote area of Section 16 after directing Community Response and police to the location of Deshler’s body.
Photos by Linda Bentley
