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Man found dead with self-inflicted gunshot wound

A Durango man was found dead Monday morning from a self-inflicted gunshot on the south side of Smelter Mountain near County Road 212, said La Plata County Coroner Jann Smith.

The man was identified as Paul Wilhelmsen, 50.

Wilhelmsen apparently had left a note letting someone know of his intentions and where he could be found, Smith said.

The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office found his body Monday morning shortly after he shot himself, Smith said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy is planned for Tuesday.

shane@durangoherald.com

To get help

In La Plata County, visit www.sucap.org and click on Suicide Prevention for a list of trained gatekeepers.

Call the Axis Health Systems 24-hour Hotline at 247-5245.

Contact a mental-health professional; or for a referral, call 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255).



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