Pasadena Man’s Body Found by Railroad Workers Next to Tracks in Northern California

Authorities in Siskiyou County in Northern California along the Oregon border are continuing their investigation into the death of a Pasadena man whose body was found near the railroad tracks east of the Andesite Railroad Crossing near Military Pass Road, a rural area near U.S. 97, 32 miles southeast of Yreka and east of Weed.

A statement by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) said the victim was located on December 26 after deputies received a call at 9:10 a.m. from railroad authorities, reporting a possible dead body near the tracks. A Sheriff’s sergeant and deputy responded to the location, where they found a deceased male adult.

The statement said the victim has been identified as David Rivas, 50, from Pasadena. The man’s next-of-kin have been located and notified of his death, the statement continued.

“On behalf of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, our thoughts and prayers are extended to Mr. Rivas, his family, friends, and associates,” Siskiyou County Sheriff Jon Lopey said.

The investigation by the SCSO’s Major Crimes Unit revealed the man sustained head injuries and investigators have reason to believe he was a passenger on a southbound train before his death. It also showed Rivas was traveling home from North Dakota on a train the last time he contacted family members.

Investigators are awaiting toxicology results and could not immediately provide information about the possible cause and manner of the victim’s death. SCSO MCU detectives are working with railroad officials and family members to obtain more information about his trip, timelines, and activities before the victim’s death.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the SCSO 24-hour Dispatch Center at (530) 841-2900.