Man Shot And Killed While Camping With His Young Daughters In California
(CNN) -- A 35-year-old man camping with his young daughters was found fatally shot in a Southern California state park, authorities said.
The man was identified as Tristan Beaudette of Irvine, California, Los Angeles County Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said.
Beaudette was discovered at a campsite at Malibu Creek State Park after authorities received a report of gunfire around 4:45 a.m. Friday, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said.
Deputies arrived to find Beaudette "had sustained at least one gunshot wound to his upper torso," according to LASD. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Winter said an autopsy is pending.
Beaudette's 2- and 4-year-old daughters were inside the tent with him, CNN affiliate KTLA reported. They were not injured, authorities said.
Detective Rodney Moore of the sheriff's department said no motive has been determined.
"There is no suspect information, no suspect vehicle," he said. "We are not investigating this as a suicide at this point."
"Homicide detectives are aware there have been other shootings near the location in the past, however there is no evidence that suggests this incident is related to any prior shootings near the location," the LASD said.
CNN affiliate KABC-TV detailed several of the other shootings at the park: A man said his car was hit by gunfire Monday morning. A woman told authorities in January 2017 she heard a loud noise in the middle of the night and found a bullet hole in the back of her car. There are also reports of a man being shot at the park in 2016.
According to his LinkedIn page, Beaudete was an associate director at the pharmaceutical company Allergan. The LinkedIn bio also says Beaudette received a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley and had seven years experience in late-stage pharmaceutical drug product development.
Allergan spokesperson Amy Rose released a statement from the company on Monday: "It's rare that we lose a friend and colleague, especially in an event that was senseless and difficult to understand."
"Tristan will be remembered as a talented scientist who was admired by all who knew him and a meaningful contributor to our company's research and development efforts."
The company's statement also said it is "working closely with Tristan's wife and family to provide them with the support they need during this very challenging time."
Malibu Creek State Park is a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts and a spectacular backdrop used in movies and television shows.
The rugged terrain crisscrossed with streams was used in the original "Planet of the Apes," "M*A*S*H," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," "How Green Was My Valley" and "Pleasantville."
Detectives said they are working with family members to try to arrange for forensic investigators who specialize in interviewing small children to speak with the daughters.
According to a verified Go Fund Me campaign set up by the family, Beudette was camping with his daughters while his wife prepared to take an exam. After the exam the family was planning to move to the Bay Area, the page said.
Beaudette's wife, Erica Wu, issued this statement: "Words cannot express the absolute devastation and sorrow we feel from the loss of someone so dear to our family. You were admired by so many for your devotion to your wife and two daughters. We are all so fortunate to have known you for your short time on Earth. You were taken from us far too early, doing something you loved with the girls you adored."
California State Parks spokesperson Tony Hoffman told CNN affiliate KABC that the campground would remain closed for the next week in the interest of public safety.
"Our hearts go out to the victim and his family during this difficult time," California State Parks said. "The safety of park visitors is our top priority, and California State Parks is working closely with Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department homicide detectives as they investigate the incident."
The-CNN-Wire
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