A CHP officer at the scene where the body of a woman — possibly homeless — was found Wednesday night near Highway 101 in Santa Barbara
A CHP officer at the scene where the body of a woman — possibly homeless — was found Wednesday night near Highway 101 in Santa Barbara. (Peter Hartmann / Noozhawk photo)

The body of a woman — possibly homeless — was found Wednesday night near Highway 101 in Santa Barbara, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The remains were discovered by a passerby in the area of the northbound Milpas Street onramp, Officer Jonathan Gutierrez said.

CHP officers and other emergency personnel were dispatched to the scene at about 6:15 p.m., and determined that the woman — who reportedly was in a sleeping bag — had passed away.

Her name was not released pending notification of relatives.

“The circumstances surrounding this death are still under investigation,” Gutierrez added.

Anyone with information that may be relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the CHP at 805.967.1234.

No further information was available.

— Noozhawk editor in chief Tom Bolton can be reached at tbolton@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.