A Brevard County corrections deputy who disappeared Sunday has been found dead in a wooded area near the Titusville motel where he was last seen alive.



Volunteers who had spent three days searching for Deputy Darrel Conner found the 43-year-old's body Wednesday in a pond across the street from the Super 8 Motel, where Conner was last seen early Sunday morning.

Investigators with both Titusville Police and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office said they have gotten helpful information from Conner's family, but added they're still trying to piece together why the off-duty deputy checked into the motel over the weekend, and how he ultimately ended up dead in a pond across the street.

Conner's family said he always made people laugh with constant jokes and humor.

"It is so hard to deal with, but I know one day I'll be able to think about how he made me laugh," said D'nita Conner, Darrel's daughter.



Dozens of the volunteers who had searched, including many fellow law enforcement officers, joined Conner's family at a news conference Wednesday morning outside the motel in Titusville where investigators confirmed Conner had been found dead.

"Darrel was very well known in our agency," said Titusville Police Chief John Lau. "He had the heart of a giant, and it's a very, very sad day."



"You always hope that the ending will not be like today's was, but one thing I know for sure is that Darrel is sitting right now looking down, and he is very proud of his family and his friends for everything they have done the last three days to bring him home safely," Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey added.



Investigators said Conner left behind his car, cell phone and diabetes medication. Concerns about his health intensified the search.

Without his insulin, investigators said it's possible Conner may have been in a confused state of mind, but at this point, that was just speculation. They said they do not believe foul play was involved.

After his body was found Wednesday, Conner's family repeatedly thanked the dozens of volunteers who searched for their loved one.

"I thank God for caring people, and I pray this should bring us together, and bring us closer," said Lula Conner, Darrel's mother. "My son was a loving son. He was a loving boy, and I loved him so much."

"My dad was my everything," said D'nita Conner. "He meant so much to me, and I thank God that I do have some closure."

Darrel Conner was a 15-year veteran with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. Ivey said he had assigned Conner to train new members.