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Body found in L.A. ID'd as prominent music video director, coroner says

LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE -- A man found dead in La Canada Flintridge Friday evening has been identified as a well-known music video director, CBS Los Angeles reports

The Los Angeles County coroner’s office confirmed Saturday morning that the body of 40-year-old Travis Joel Peterson was found in front of an old Sport Chalet store.

Peterson’s body was found in a white Volvo around 7:20 p.m. on the first floor of the parking garage, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

Peterson had last been seen on Dec. 30. There was no word on his cause of death. 

Investigators say they didn’t see any overt signs of foul play at the scene but the missing person’s case became a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau investigation.

According to Pitchfork magazine, Peterson directed music videos for artists and bands including Ariel Pink, Nite Jewel, Glass Candy and Vivian Girls.

Peterson’s wife, Emily Halpern, posted a statement to her Instagram page Saturday, writing “this is a devestating loss and we are heartbroken.” 

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