Saturday morning, August 5, 2022
Body of Don Gussler found after eight straight days of searching
RICH CREEK — After eight days of searching by local EMS and Search and Rescue, the body of Don Gussler, 82, of Rich Creek has been discovered, Deputy Lawrence County EMS director Travis Hughes said this morning.
The body was found at by family and friends at 4:35 pm Friday in a “very thick area” Hughes said. EMS was near the scene at Rich Creek boat docks on Rt. 32. Mr. Gussler lived near the boat docks.
Emergency crews from Lawrence County as well as throughout the region assisted in the search, Hughes said.
“They found a shoe that belonged to Mr. Gussler and began combing the thickets and discovered the body not far from that point,” Hughes said.
He said the body was behind an old barn in thick brush on a road near Rich Creek. There is an old school house on the same road.
“This is obviously not the outcome we hoped for, Hughes said. “But we are glad we could bring some closure for the family and friends of Mr. Gussler.”
The cause of death is still undetermined according to Hughes, but LC Coroner Wes Heston was on the scene and will release a report “as soon as possible”, Hughes said.
Gussler, a well known Lawrence County citizen went missing July 29 and his daughter, Clista Gussler Spencer appealed to the public on social media the same day for help in finding her father. The post got more than 4,000 responses, she said on her FB page.
Hughes said a detailed report will be released Monday by his office listing the organizations and people who helped with the search. He said Denver Chaffin and the LC Search and Rescue were especially involved in the case.
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Stay tuned to thelevisalazer.com for complete reports as they become available…
I’m heartbroken to read this. Prayers for the family.
A very sad event prayers for the family