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Mar 30, 2026

Sheriff: Missing Kansas man found deceased

Posted Mar 30, 2026 10:30 AM

CHASE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the death of a man found in Chase County.

Just after 6p.m. Saturday, sheriff's deputies were called to the Dollar General, 13 South Walnut in Cottonwood Falls, for a welfare check on a man in a vehicle, according to a social media report from the Chase County Sheriff.

First responders found the sole occupant of the vehicle, later identified as 31-year-old Austin Barnes, was deceased. Barnes had been listed as a missing person from Topeka. 

The cause of deaath was not immediately known. An autopsy is scheduled this week, according to the sheriff's department.