Daniel DeChant
Daniel DeChant: MISSING PERSON from Waukesha, WI
The text below is written by Sandra Marie Smith, Daniel’s mother.
Daniel is so much more than a missing person. He is a son, a brother, a grandson, a nephew, and a friend. He is deeply loved and profoundly missed every single day.
Daniel struggled with serious mental illness, and like many people living with mental illness, he also battled addiction. Through tremendous determination, Daniel overcame his addiction and was rebuilding his life. He was working at ABET Laminati in Oconomowoc, training to run his first marathon, spending time at the gym, and looking forward to the future.
Running wasn’t just exercise for Daniel—it represented hope, perseverance, and a goal he was determined to achieve. He loved music and enjoyed listening to all kinds of genres. Most of all, he loved his family and his friends. His mental illness did not define who he was. He was a young man with dreams, determination, and a desire to build a meaningful future.
On November 12, 2024, our family’s lives changed forever.
In the days leading up to his disappearance, Daniel was without his prescribed medication, and our family believes he experienced a severe psychotic episode.
The last confirmed image of Daniel was captured by a security camera at the Salvation Army in Waukesha on Madison Street at approximately 1:30 a.m. on November 12, 2024. He has not been seen or heard from since.
Every day since then has been filled with unanswered questions and an emptiness that words cannot describe. We continue to hope that someone, somewhere, knows something that could help us find Daniel or understand what happened to him.
If you were in the area that morning, believe you may have seen Daniel, or remember anything that seemed unusual—even if it didn’t seem important at the time—please come forward. Sometimes the smallest detail can provide the breakthrough a family has been waiting for.
Please continue to share Daniel’s story. Keeping his name and face in front of the public gives our family hope that one day we will have answers.
Daniel, if somehow you see this, please know that you are loved beyond words. We miss you every day, and we want you to come home. Please contact us!
———
Daniel DeChant Description:
Age at the time of going missing: 32
Weight: 185lbs
Height: 6ft 1inch
Last seen in a Marty’s Pizza T-Shirt and slider sandals
Please note that it was indeed during the early morning hours of November 12, 2024 that Daniel went missing. Missing person posters for him say “on the night of the 12th,” but they should say “during the early morning hours of the 12th.”
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Daniel DeChant or if you saw a young man in a T-shirt possibly riding a bike or running during the early morning hours on November 12, 2024, this could be a major clue in the case. Please reach out to Waukesha police at 262-524-3831. Case number: 24-44493.
