Missing Dammeron Valley man found dead with self-inflicted gunshot wound

Undated photo of Tanner Marvel, St. George, Utah | Photo courtesy of Spring Dykstra, St. George News

IVINS —A Dammeron Valley man who had been missing since Friday has been found dead of what deputies say is a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Undated photo of Tanner Marvel at St. George Regional Airport, St. George, Utah | Photo courtesy of Spring Dykstra, St. George News

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that deputies found the body of Tanner Marvel, 28, on Tuesday afternoon. 

St. George News has learned that Marvel’s 2010 white Ford F-150 pick-up was found off a dirt road a few miles south of Old Dixie Highway 91 near the Shivwits reservation. Deputies reportedly found the body nearby and a handgun. Authorities say Marvel died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

“We did locate the truck … not too far from the truck, we located him,” Sgt. Joe Hafoka said. “All evidence is a gunshot wound to the head.”

Marvel’s family has been informed that the body was found and the circumstances of his death. 

Washington County Search and Rescue was called in to help after the truck was discovered, but they were called off after the body was found. 

Hafoka said deputies looked for any traces of foul play or if anyone had accompanied Marvel but concluded he died alone.

“Nothing was left behind other than he was located,” Hafoka said. “It’s pretty clear from the dirt if anyone else was located there. We believe he was dealing with depression.”

Marvel went missing Friday after he failed to report to a job at noon for the metal-working/gate business he worked for. According to his mother, Spring Dykstra, he was last seen three hours earlier by his grandfather, with whom he lived. 

Dykstra said he told his grandfather he was picking up metal for his next job. Though conspicuously, Marvel left behind his dog Roady, who always accompanied him on his work calls and his travels.  

Resources

If you or someone you know is in danger because of suicidal thoughts or actions, call 911 immediately. Suicide is an emergency that requires help by trained medical professionals and always should be treated seriously.

Nationwide suicide hotlines, 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (8255), have counselors available 24/7. The Southwest Behavioral Health Center also offers help for Southern Utah residents; call 800-574-6763 or 435-634-5600.

Other resources include Suicide.org, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the American Association of Suicidology. All provide comprehensive information and help on the issue of suicide, from prevention to treatment to coping with loss.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.

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