David Henry Peterson Obituary, Death; Coroner identifies man found dead in car west of Kern County.
David Henry Peterson Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of a man discovered deceased inside a vehicle west of McKittrick last month. The Kern County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim as 86-year-old David Henry Peterson of Paso Robles.
Peterson’s body was located on August 21 along Highway 58, approximately 3.3 miles east of Seven Mile Road. Officials reported that he was found inside a car parked in the area. While his death has been confirmed, the coroner’s office stated that the exact cause remains under review and will be determined after further examination.
According to the Paso Robles Police Department, Peterson had been reported missing on August 7, nearly two weeks before his body was discovered. The missing person’s case had prompted law enforcement to begin an investigation, as family members and local authorities worked to locate him. His death brings a tragic conclusion to the search effort.
Police indicated that no foul play is suspected at this time. Investigators believe Peterson’s death was not the result of a crime, though the coroner’s office will continue its evaluation to confirm the circumstances. Authorities have not provided details about why Peterson may have been in the remote area of Highway 58 or how long he had been there before being found.
The discovery of Peterson’s vehicle and body was made in a rural stretch of Kern County, an area known for its sparse traffic and challenging terrain. The location, several miles outside McKittrick, is not heavily traveled, which may have delayed the recovery of his vehicle and remains.
Officials are continuing to coordinate between agencies, including the Paso Robles Police Department and the Kern County Coroner’s Office, to finalize the investigation. 17 News has also reached out to the California Highway Patrol for additional details about the discovery, but no further information has yet been released.
Peterson’s death has left his family and community mourning the loss of an elderly resident who was well-known in Paso Robles. Community members who followed the missing person’s case have expressed condolences and sorrow at the outcome. While the circumstances of his passing remain unclear, the confirmation of his identity has at least provided closure to those who were waiting for answers.
Law enforcement has emphasized that while foul play is not suspected, the investigation is not yet fully closed. The official cause and manner of death will be determined once the coroner’s review is complete. Such examinations typically involve toxicology reports and a detailed medical evaluation, which may take several weeks to finalize.
In the meantime, Paso Robles police have thanked the public and supporting agencies for their assistance during the search for Peterson. They continue to encourage residents to remain vigilant in reporting missing persons promptly, as timely reports often aid in faster resolutions.
The tragic discovery of David Henry Peterson’s body highlights both the challenges of missing person cases and the importance of community awareness in rural areas. Updates are expected from the coroner’s office and law enforcement once more details become available.
