Circumstances of Death Remain a Mystery
Staff Report
Humboldt Sentinel
A man was found dead at the South Jetty around 7:30 a.m. yesterday.
The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office says the adult male was found by a passerby on a quad vehicle, just above
the surf-line near the parking lot area. They believe the body
is someone who’s been filed with police as missing out of Rio Dell
since December 1.
Deputy Coroner Roy Horton responded to the scene Tuesday and has positively identified the man.
“There are no injuries that appear to have caused the man’s death,” Horton said.
Horton said the man was discovered by a citizen on an ATV, who was gathering firewood on the beach. The driver of the ATV reported seeing the man alive last night, according to Horton.
The Coroner’s Office is investigating how the body got there.
Investigating officials say there is a question of how the body got to this location on the South Jetty. They report there was no vehicle associated with him at the scene.
They also indicate the condition of his body is not reflective of having been in the water for any long period of time, considering how long he’s been missing. The body had some unexplained minor lacerations.
A witness told the Coroner’s office he was at the same Jetty location on Monday and the body wasn’t there; it appeared within 24 hours later, he said.
Horton said the identity of the deceased man will be released after the next of kin are contacted.
The KIEM-TV news report is here.
UPDATE: The Coroner identified the man as Judson Isaiah Nolan, 41, of Rio Dell. There were no injuries responsible for his death. The Coroner added it’s possible Nolan hitchhiked or got a ride to the area.
(Posted by Skippy Massey)
