Family Says Missing Palm Desert Man Has Died, Launches GoFundMe Page

The family of Miguel Angel Chavez, a Coachella Valley resident who went missing last week in Palm Desert, is now reporting that the 28-year-old has died. 

His family shared the news through a GoFundMe page created over the weekend, saying Chavez became stranded in the desert following a date. In the post, they describe him as a "beautiful soul, known for his warm smile and a laugh that could light up any room." The fundraiser, which is asking the community for help covering funeral costs, has raised over $10,000 so far.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department issued a missing person alert for Chavez last Tuesday, saying he was last seen near Coyote Song Way. Deputies searched the area and on Friday reported finding human remains, though they say they are still working to confirm the identification.

The investigation remains ongoing.