LAYTON—The body of a Layton man who had been missing since last Friday was found Tuesday by a search and rescue team with the Mohave County, Arizona, Sheriff’s Office nearby an area where his vehicle had last been seen. Investigators said there were no indications of foul play.

Beau Riddle, 49 had not been heard from since July 22 after he contacted his family and employer and said he was having a “nervous breakdown” while dealing with truck problems in Littlefield, Arizona. Riddle had just delivered a fifth wheel trailer in Arizona on Thursday and was on his way to deliver a trailer in Idaho. The trailer was found at a gas station on Saturday and on Sunday his truck was found nearby hidden by storage trailers.

His family became concerned when the truck was found with clothes and other items scattered all over the place, said Paul Murphy, a close family friend. “The back of the truck was open and he was a perfectionist and had OCD. Even in a manic state he had to have absolute order. There was a wallet there and it was emptied.”

However, authorities said they do not believe there was foul play but the investigation is ongoing. 

A helicopter was used on Sunday, but their visibility was limited due to the thick brush, said Anita Mortensen, Public Information Officer with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. “The extreme heat and rugged terrain made the search difficult on Monday and the area is also very heavily concealed by thick vegetation.”

Tuesday morning the search efforts continued in the area near where the truck was located and an HRD dog from a neighboring agency came to assist, she said. “We want to thank everyone that came out to help locate him, as well as the K-9 Team from Washington County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Helicopter and the Bureau of Land Management Rangers. Our condolences are with the family.”

“Unfortunately, we learned today that the body of Beau Riddle was found not far from where his truck was located,” said Murphy on Tuesday. “We don’t know the cause of death but his body was found near the bottom of a long drop-off in an area with extreme heat.”

Murphy said he’s known Riddle for years. “We went to church together and we’d gather weekly to do things. We were close friends. He was a person I would meet with on a regular basis and he became a life-long friend.”

Murphy had sent out press releases and updates for the family since Riddle went missing and a large group of people had been waiting for permission from law enforcement to help in the search when Riddle’s body was found. 

 “I can’t believe we lost Beau this way and it only shows how quickly we can lose the ones we love,” said Beau’s wife Kim Riddle in a statement. “I’m grateful for everyone who has stepped up to support my family and me. I only wish Beau was here to see how many people love him and were touched by his humor and willingness to help anyone in need.” 

A “Get Beau home” account has been set up at GoFundMe  https://gofund.me/3a769206. Site organizers are hoping to raise $5,000 to offset funeral expenses. λ