Unidentified body discovered near mouth of Santa Ana River

First responders were called to a scene near the mouth of the Santa Ana River Thursday, where a body was discovered shortly before 2 p.m.

Newport Beach police spokesman Sgt. Shawn Dugan said officers were on scene and waiting for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, as the mouth of the river, situated in between the city limits of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach technically falls into the county’s jurisdiction.

“Our officers are on scene and waiting for the sheriff’s department to arrive to discuss with them the next steps for what they’re going to do as far as an investigation goes,” Dugan said shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday.

Sgt. Mike Woodroof, a spokesman with the sheriff’s department confirmed Friday the body was found on an embankment and not submerged in the water. It is still unclear whether the decedent may have been homeless or whether the body may have entered the river from a location other than where it was discovered.

The county coroner’s office identified the individual Thursday but were not releasing a name, pending notification of the person’s next of kin.

The body of an unidentified individual was discovered Thursday afternoon near the mouth of the Santa Ana River, officials reported.

(Daily Pilot Staff)

Woodroof said the department’s Behavioral Health Bureau — a division whose members are responsible for assisting unhoused individuals and those in need of mental health services — was called to the scene. The bureau provides security for 380 miles of flood control channels in Orange County, including the Santa Ana River.

Members of OCSD’s Homicide Detail also responded and indicated foul play did not likely play a role in the person’s death, Woodroof said Friday.

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.