Body Of JROTC Instructor Found

The Fremont County Combined Investigative Response Team (CIRT) has confirmed that the body of a man located on Fremont County Road 67, north east of Caon City, is that of Duane A. Smith. Smith is the JROTC Instructor who was being sought for questioning about his relationship with a 16 year old female student.

Investigators believe that Smith took his own life after he missed a scheduled interview with investigators about his relationship with the student. Smith failed to return home after his initial contact with police and authorities feared that he may become suicidal. Police requested the public’s assistance in attempting to locate Smith.

At approximately 1:00 today a hiker found Smith’s red Pontiac Grand Am on a turnout on Fremont County Road 67, locally known as the Phantom Canyon road. Smith’s body was inside of the vehicle. Investigators called to the scene positively identified Smith. A note was also located in the vehicle. The manner and cause of death will be released by the coroner.