Body may be that of missing Gardnerville resident

A body found in the desert outside of Palmdale may be that of missing Gardnerville resident Robert Ewart, 80.

Ewart's Ford Explorer was found 4 p.m. Friday by a Palmdale-Lancaster resident.

A search of the area by Los Angeles Sheriff's Department investigators resulted in the discovery of a body believed to be Ewart about 200 yards from the vehicle.

According to Undersheriff Paul Howell, investigators are seeking the cause of death, though foul play is not suspected.

Ewart's next of kin has been notified, and Douglas County Sheriff's deputies are notifying his ex-wife, who he shared a home with here.

Ewart was reported missing by his son on May 22. He'd last been seen by the Palmdale resident when he left to return to Gardnerville in late April.

According to Sgt. Jim Halsey of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Ewart's son said it wasn't unusual to not hear from his father for two or three weeks at a time.