GRAND JUNCTION, CO — A missing 68-year-old Grand Junction man was found deceased in the desert area north of the city on Tuesday afternoon, authorities confirmed.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. on March 31, 2026, deputies searching the 21 Road desert region located the vehicle belonging to Rodger Degenhart, an at-risk senior who had been reported missing. Investigators subsequently discovered a deceased male near the truck, who was positively identified as Degenhart.
The Mesa County Sheriff’s Office stated that the incident is not considered suspicious. The Mesa County Coroner’s Office has taken over the investigation to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Law enforcement extended their deepest condolences to Degenhart’s family in a press release issued Wednesday afternoon. Authorities noted that no further information regarding the case is available at this time.