Man who had been living in van found deceased inside in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) found a man in his 40s deceased in his van on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

A relative of the unidentified man called SLTPD, telling them he hadn't heard from the relative since before Christmas Day. The caller said the missing man had been living in his van, and they gave SLTPD areas where he was known to park.

While investigating, SLTPD found the van buried under feet of snow on James Avenue between 7th and 10th streets. Police called public works to use a blower at the spot so they could gain access to the van.

Inside, the transient man was found deceased.

SLTPD Sgt. Doug Sentell said there were no signs of foul play and the van had been parked there for a while.

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office arrived and is handling the coroner's investigation and an autopsy will be done.

The next of kin has not been notified at this time.