The death of a man found in downtown Guadalupe on Monday afternoon has been deemed suspicious, prompting an investigation by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. 

At approximately 2 p.m. Monday, Guadalupe Police Department officers responded to the 800 block of Guadalupe Street (Highway 1), near the gazebo area of the Veterans Memorial Plaza, for a report of man down, according to Sheriff’s Office public information officer Raquel Zick.

An adult male was found deceased at the scene, and no lifesaving measures were attempted because of the obvious death.

Guadalupe police requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Office, which assumed responsibility for the investigation. 

“Due to the complexity of this situation, we have reached out to our law enforcement partners at the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office to take the lead on this investigation,” Guadalupe Police Chief Michael Cash said. “Our department will continue to assist their investigators as we work together to determine the circumstances surrounding this death.”

The investigation is ongoing, and additional details are limited at this preliminary stage, Zick added. 

The identity of the decedent will be released following confirmation and notification to next of kin, she said.

The Sheriff’s Office will provide additional information as it becomes available, Zick added.