LAGUNA HILLS : Man’s Body Found in Creek Near School

The decomposed body of a construction worker reported missing a week and a half ago was found Friday in a small creek near a high school, authorities said.

Sheriff’s officials identified the dead man as Fernando Garcia de La Cruz, 23, of Laguna Hills. Sheriff’s Lt. Bob Rivas said the body bore no marks of violence and that an autopsy is scheduled for today to determine the cause of death.

De La Cruz was reported missing Nov. 30, four days after he failed to return home, Rivas said.

De La Cruz and his brother, Alejandro, were reportedly drinking at a friend’s apartment on Via Lomas on Nov. 26, Rivas said.

“When the brothers were ready to leave, Fernando wanted to drive, but Alejandro refused to let him,” Rivas said.

Fernando de La Cruz then decided to walk to his brother’s apartment about a mile away, Rivas said. “When he didn’t show, his brother and friends went looking and reported it to us about four days later,” the lieutenant said.

Rivas said a passer-by found De La Cruz’s body in a creek that parallels Alicia Parkway near the Laguna Hills High School.