Deputies seek help in locating despondent West Valley man

Yakima County sheriff's deputies are asking for the public's help in locating a despondent man who may have traveled into remote country outside of Tampico.

Ronald Wagner, 38, of West Valley, was reported missing early Monday, but was last seen traveling westbound on Ahtanum Road Sunday evening, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

Family members reported he had been drinking before he left in a white Isuzu Trooper bearing Washington license 346-WWT, deputies said.

Wagner may be in the area of Nasty Creek Road or the north fork of the Cowiche River. He often went into those areas to be by himself, authorities said.

Searchers combed the main roads in that region on Monday and plan to return today if needed. Authorities asked anyone with information about Wagner or his vehicle to call the sheriff's office at 574-2500.

Wagner is about 5 feet, 8 inches tall. He weighs between 120 and 140 pounds.