Earnhardt Auto Centers executive found dead in Mesa, company says

PHOENIX — A longtime executive with the Chandler-based Earnhardt Auto Centers was found dead after she went missing in Mesa earlier this month.

Company spokesman Christopher Kerr said in an email to KTAR News 92.3 FM that Valarie Fairchild was found dead Tuesday. She was last seen near her family’s home on Jan. 14.

Mesa Police confirmed the death Wednesday and said they believe she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Detectives visited the residence multiple times, police said, but ended up finding the body in a “very obscure location.”

UPDATE (1/23/19, 4:23 pm): We are sad to report the body of Valarie Fairchild has been found. Preliminary reports indicate she died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. If you or anyone you know is suffering from depression, please call/text 911 or non-emergency 480-644-2211. https://t.co/qoPFrl3Asi

— Mesa Police Dept. (@MesaPD) January 23, 2019

Fairchild had worked with Earnhardt Auto Centers for 29 years and was a “mentor to some and friend to many,” Kerr added.

Police encouraged anyone experiencing depression to reach out for help by texting or calling 911 in an emergency, or calling 480-644-2211 for nonemergencies.

Editor’s note: If you or anyone you know is struggling with suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7 at 800-273-8255. 

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