Missing Man Found Dead at Caspers Park
A Mission Viejo man missing for more than a week was found dead Saturday in Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, authorities said.
Coroner’s officials were trying to determine the cause of death of 47-year-old Phillip Casas, said Lt. Lynn Nehring of the Orange County Sheriff Department. Family members who reported him missing July 27 said Casas had been depressed.
The body was discovered by a bird-watcher about a half-mile from where Casas’ vehicle was found at the park on Tuesday, Nehring said.
Authorities said Casas was despondent over undisclosed personal problems. The day after Casas was last seen, family members received a letter from him indicating he was troubled.
A rigorous search of the rural park using bloodhounds and helicopters last week was unsuccessful.
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