The 55-gallon drum washed up in the area of Surfrider State Beach in Malibu.
A body was discovered inside a 55-gallon barrel that washed ashore near Surfrider State Beach in Malibu on Monday morning. Authorities responded to the scene after a report came in at approximately 10:30 a.m., alerting them to the unusual find. The discovery shocked locals and beachgoers who were familiar with the area.
While the identity of the deceased individual remains undisclosed, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into the incident. As of now, the cause of death has not been determined, and authorities are treating the situation as a potential homicide. Investigators, including homicide detectives, are combing through evidence and examining the circumstances surrounding the barrel’s arrival on the beach.
The location of the report was traced to 23200 Pacific Coast Highway, directly linked to the famous Surfrider Beach and the 110-acre Malibu Lagoon State Beach. This area is well-known for its picturesque views and iconic surf spots, making the event all the more unsettling for the local community.
Although the situation remained under investigation, the beach was kept open for public use, with only a small section blocked off for the authorities to carry out their work. Surfrider State Beach, part of the state parks system, continues to draw tourists and locals alike despite the unusual incident. State parks spokesperson Jorge Moreno confirmed that no major closures would be enforced unless new developments in the investigation required such action.
At the scene, a heavy police presence was observed, with multiple law enforcement officers and investigators gathered around the barrel. The Sheriff’s Department’s technician, A. De La Torre, provided initial details about the situation but refrained from commenting further until more information could be gathered.
This incident has drawn significant attention from the media, with many curious about the potential motive and the grim discovery that marred what is usually a serene coastal location. Homicide detectives are expected to provide more updates as the investigation unfolds.
