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Authorities with the Pike County Sheriff's Department revealed how a 21-year-old Palmyra man who went missing died.

Christopher B. Witt's body was discovered about 8:50 a.m. Jan. 18. Pike County Sheriff Paul Petty said Witt died of exposure to the elements and a self-inflicted injury.

Witt, of Palmyra, was found and pronounced dead at the scene in Barry, Illinois.

Witt was originally reported missing Jan. 14 and investigator Tyler Wheeler with the Marion County Sheriff's Office issued a missing person release Jan. 15 explaining that Witt was believed to possibly be a danger to himself. The release also stated that he was possibly in need of medical attention.

Deputies responded to the scene and began a search near the Industrial Park following the discovery of the red Ford Fusion Witt was was last seen driving. A search of the area concluded when Witt was found approximately 140 feet from his vehicle.

Preliminary findings indicate that Witt died of exposure to the elements.

The investigation is ongoing by the Pike County Sheriff's Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Department.

The community took action earlier in the week, sharing posts on social media platforms to help get the word out in order to help authorities locate Witt.