News

Released: June 18, 2017 - Sunday, 08:38 PM

Death Investigation

Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781-4547Date and time of incident: 6-18-17, Approximately 12:15 PMPlace of Occurrence: Turkey Flats area, E. Pozo Road and Queen Bee Road, rural PozoVictim Information: Joseph Dean Echavarria, 57, GoletaSuspect Information: N/AOn 6-18-17, Sheriff's Dispatch received a 911 call about a possible missing dirt bike rider in the Turkey Flats area of rural Pozo. A 57-year-old man had become separated from two family members while riding in that area. Deputies responded to that location as well as a CHP helicopter and Cal Fire. The missing man was located and Cal fire crews were lowered from the helicopter to check on the man's condition. Crews discovered the man was deceased.
A Coroner's Detective was brought in to assess the situation. At this time, the death does not appear to be suspicious but appears to be from natural causes. The man has been identified as 57-year-old Joseph Dean Echavarria of Goleta. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday to determine the manner and cause of death.