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Cause, Manner Of Death Released For PA Fire Police Captain: Coroner

A Fire Police captain who has been missing since Thursday afternoon, Oct. 17 was found dead over the weekend, details were released by the Lancaster County Coroner's Office on Monday, Nov. 4.

Tony Bortner

Tony Bortner

Photo Credit: Laurel Fire Company #1 - Windsor PA

Tony  Bortner, 51, of Windsor's cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head and the manner was suicide, the coroner explained in the updated release.

The Laurel Fire Company in Windsor Fire Police Captain's red 2008 Subaru Forester with the PA license plate "LKX9294" was found at Lock 12 in Lower Chanceford Township by State Troopers on Saturday, Oct. 19, Pennsylvania State Police previously informed Daily Voice.

Bortner "had no contact with anyone," the company wrote adding that "This [was] very out of character for Tony."

The Lancaster County Coroner's office was called to the banks of the Susquehanna River — not far from where Bortner's Subraru was found — at 2:54 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, according to a release sent to Daily Voice. 

A body, later identified as 51-year-old Bortner, was found deceased in shallow water off Peavine Island, the coroner explained.

"There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death," the coroner wrote.

His community has had time to prepare for this tragic outcome of the missing person search, but the loss is still felt deeply by those who knew him best. 

His wife Brenda shared about a fundraiser launched to help her, and took the opportunity to urge people to vote. 

Bortner's memory was honored at Messiah Church of York on Sunday, Nov. 3.

His full obituary was unavailable at the time of publishing. 

Suicide-mentioned-disclaimer: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at: 988lifeline.org.

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