Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP141925)
Derek Anthony Windler, a 38-year-old man from Crystal River, Florida, was last seen on August 27, 2023. He had spoken with his mother the previous evening, sounding fine and listening to music at home. The next morning, his live-in girlfriend contacted his mother, reporting that they had a five-hour argument via text messages and that she did not know his whereabouts. Windler's last text was sent at approximately 3:30 a.m.
on August 27, and he also texted another individual around the same time. He has not been heard from since.
Windler's black 2005 GMC Sierra pickup truck, bearing Florida license plate PIEE54, was captured by license plate readers traveling south on U.S. 19 at 3:30 a.m. and again at 6:45 a.m. At 3:30 a.m., the truck bed was empty, but by 6:45 a.m., it contained several items, including Windler's dirt bike. A week later, the vehicle was found abandoned near a homeless camp off Homosassa Trail in Homosassa, Florida. While most of Windler's belongings were inside the truck, several items were missing, including a dash camera, a laptop computer, a tent, a Bluetooth speaker, a large white claw umbrella, and his son's blue minibike.
Windler has a history of methamphetamine abuse but had completed a rehabilitation program six years prior to his disappearance and had remained clean. However, his family believes he may have relapsed shortly before going missing. His mother stated she did not believe he would have abandoned his son and suspects foul play may be involved.
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case. They have not released further details, and the circumstances surrounding Windler's disappearance remain unsolved. , Last Seen: Aug 27, 2023
