A local TV station in Chicago says one of its employees who was reported missing over the weekend has been found dead.
Kevin Spencer, 34, worked in the information technology department at Comcast-owned NBC station WMAQ (Channel 5) in Chicago. The television station reported earlier this week that Spencer had not reported to work and was considered a missing person after his family lost contact with him last Friday.
Family members told the station that it was “uncharacteristic” of Spencer to break off contact with loved ones, and that their last interactions with him were warm.
Jennifer Brinkley, Spencer’s sister, received a concerned call from WMAQ on Monday after he failed to show up for work.
“I believe they said that he didn’t even call in for work and to let them know that he was not going to be there. And that’s just not like my brother whatsoever,” Brinkley said. “My brother would have definitely let the company know if he was sick or if he was unable to attend.”
Spencer’s family investigated the matter and noted that his electric scooter was still parked in the driveway. Family members placed calls to Spencer’s cell phone, which went straight to voicemail, the station reported.
A statement posted by WMAQ on Wednesday said Spencer took his own life on Sunday. It wasn’t clear how the station learned about the timing of his death.
“Thank you all for your help and concern in trying to find Kevin,” Spencer’s family said this week. “It is with a heavy heart that I share that he is no longer with us. While we don’t have all the answers, we ask for privacy and respect as we process this devastating loss. Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
WMAQ urged anyone facing a similar crisis to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 9-8-8 or vising the website 988lifeline.org. Resources are also available at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
