By Shereen Siewert

UPDATED, 9:24 p.m. — A Lac du Flambeau man reported missing in December has been found dead, according to a media statement released late Wednesday by tribal leaders.

Lac du Flambeau Tribal President Joseph Wildcat confirmed the death of 25-year-old Wayne Valliere, Jr., who was last seen Dec. 22 in Lac du Flambeau. Police did not say where his body was discovered or how Valliere died.
An investigation into his death is ongoing.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of one of our Tribal Members,” President Joseph Wildcat, Sr. wrote in an emailed statement. “This is an extremely trying time for the family.  We ask out of respect for them and their loved ones that they receive the space and time they need to grieve.”
The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is spearheading the investigation into Valliere’s death. No additional details were immediately released.
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The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is now leading an investigation into the disappearance of a Lac du Flambeau man, according to a DOJ news release.

Wayne M. Valliere, Jr., 25, was last seen Dec. 22 in Lac du Flambeau. Valliere is Native American, 5 feet 11 inches tall, with hazel eyes, brown hair and numerous tattoos.

According to the missing person alert, Valliere has not had any contact with his family or close friends.

Valliere’s disappearance was initially investigated by tribal police, but DCI took over the investigation on Dec. 29.

DCI is being assisted by the Forest County Sheriff’s Office, Iron County Sheriff’s County, the Lac du Flambeau Police Department, and Vilas County Sheriff’s Office.

Anybody with details about Wayne Valliere Jr.’s disappearance is encouraged to contact DCI at 715-359-7112 or the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office at 715-479-4441.