Wrestling champion Evan Tanner dies

By Tony Perry

SAN DIEGO--Champion wrestler Evan Tanner has been found dead in a remote desert area of Imperial County, the county's coroner said today.

A body was found Monday night and identified this morning as the 37-year-old wrestler who often went on camping trips to the desert seeking solitude and spiritual energy.


Authorities began looking for Tanner on Friday after receiving a call from his friends that he was no longer text-messaging them, said Imperial County Sheriff's Lt. George Moreno. A Marine Corps helicopter from the base at Yuma aided in the search.

Tanner's camp and motorcycle were found in an area near the Palo Verde mountains, and his body was found several miles away. Authorities speculate that Tanner's motorcycle may have broken down and he was attempting to walk to safety.

There was no sign of foul play, Moreno said.


"It looks like he succumbed to the elements," he said.

Wrestling champion Evan Tanner dies....