Body Found in Santa Barbara’s Mission Creek, Police Do Not Suspect Foul Play

Death investigation at Mission Creek in downtown Santa Barbara (Photo: John Palminteri)

Santa Barbara Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the body of a woman found at Mission Creek in downtown Santa Barbara on Monday morning.

The area near Bath and W. Cota Streets has been closed while detectives and firefighters responded to the scene.

CBS News reporters discovered the body near a tree around 9:00 a.m. while reporting on the storm. Santa Barbara Police Officers and Fire Department personnel responded to the scene.

Santa Barbara Police and Firefighters retrieve a body found in Mission Creek on February 19, 2024 (Photo: Santa Barbara Police Department)

Fire Department personnel conducted a recovery operation to retrieve the decedent, who was entangled in the trees off the bank of the creek, according to Sergeant Ethan Ragsdale.

After the recovery was complete, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff-Coroner responded to assist. Santa Barbara Police Detectives also came to the scene to investigate the death further.

“This case is still an active investigation. Foul play is not suspected at this time,” said Sgt. Ragsdale. “The decedent is an adult female, and their identity is currently unknown at the time of this media release.”

The Santa Barbara Police Department reminds residents to stay away from flooded creeks and waterways. “Though they may be interesting to look at, always keep a safe distance. Your safety is our top priority,” SBPD states.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

[Ed Note: This story has been updated with information from the Santa Barbara Police Department]

Edhat Staff

Written by Edhat Staff

What do you think?

Comments

0 Comments deleted by Administrator

Leave a Review or Comment

3 Comments

Caltrans Responds to Road Closures Following Winter Storms

Op-Ed: Money in Local Politics