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Remains of Chandler commissioner found
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Chandler planning and zoning commissioner Mark Irby, seen in a submitted photograph, went missing in January when he left his family cabin in a Forest Lakes subdivision for an ATV ride. His remains were recovered June 7 and identified June 8.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Nearly five months after his disappearance, the human remains of Chandler planning and zoning commissioner Mark Irby were recovered Sunday at Chevlon Canyon Lake, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.
Irby, 51, was last seen Jan. 2 when he left his family cabin in a Forest Lakes subdivision for an ATV ride. His vehicle was found in March by two hunters in a heavily wooded area north of Forest Lakes.
Volunteer searchers combed the area in January. Coconino County sheriff’s deputies began another search in March.
Irby’s body was found Saturday by four Phoenix residents fishing along Chevlon Canyon Lake, a press release from the sheriff’s office said. His body was located about 12 miles northwest of his subdivision and about two miles from where the ATV was located in March.
An autopsy was performed Monday, and the identity was confirmed by a Flagstaff dentist through dental records. Cause and manner of death have yet to be determined by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.
“Mark was a part of our planning and zoning commission for years. We just wish the family the best. I enjoyed working with and knowing Mark through the years,” Jeff Kurtz, a member of the Chandler planning and zoning department, said Monday.
Kevin Hartke was appointed in March to finish out Irby’s term, which ended May 1. Hartke was then appointed to another term, which ends in 2012.
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