OXNARD : Body of Missing Man Believed Found

The remains of a body found in Los Padres National Forest are believed to be those of an Oxnard man missing since last summer, authorities said Monday.

But coroner’s officials were unable to get to the body in the rugged terrain Monday and are scheduled to take a helicopter in today, spokesman Jim Wingate said. Until a positive identification is made, the coroner’s office declined to release the man’s name.

A Boy Scout troop hiking in the forest’s Matilija Canyon on Sunday came across some of the man’s belongings, including identification, Ventura County Sheriff’s Lt. Larry Robertson said. Robertson said a search-and-rescue team discovered the remains about 8 p.m.

Investigators believe the man committed suicide, Robertson said.

“He was reported as being depressed over a drunk-driving arrest,” Robertson said of a missing person’s report filed with the Oxnard Police Department in July, 1994.