Missing since November, family pleads for help to find Waukesha man

 

WAUKESHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Missing for more than a month, family and friends of Daniel DeChant are holding out hope for his safe return. The 32-year-old who vanished from his home on Madison Avenue in Waukesha on Nov. 12, is believed to still be in the area.

His family says that while DeChant has struggled with addiction and schizophrenia in the past, he was on the right track recently.

"Over the last two years, he's been doing so well. That's why this is such a shock," said his mother, Sandy Smith.

DeChant is thought to have left his home in the early hours of Nov. 12, leaving behind his wallet, car keys, and cellphone.

"He left it all behind, didn't bring a jacket, was just wearing sliders. This was so spontaneous; we think it is because he ran out of his medication," Smith said.

In addition to personal belongings, DeChant also left behind a full-time job and his girlfriend. Waukesha Police confirm that a missing person’s case has been opened, and investigations are ongoing.

Smith emphasized there is no evidence to suggest his leaving was planned.

DeChant’s family believes he may be disoriented due to his mental health challenges and has possibly integrated into the homeless community. His mother says with the proper mental health treatment, DeChant would choose to be with family and friends.

"When people are struggling with mental illness, it's a lot more difficult for them than we understand," she said.

DeChant is 6'1" tall, 185lbs. and was last seen wearing a red, Marty's Pizza t-shirt and Columbia sweatpants with holes. The family has reached out to local shelters and distributed information in hopes someone recognizes him.

Anyone with information about Daniel DeChant’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Waukesha Police Department at 262-524-3831. Community members have also been sharing his story on social media to help bring him home.