August 7, 2025 – Merced County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Wednesday morning, at approximately 9:45 a.m., deputies and the California Highway Patrol responded to the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge on Highway 165 for a welfare check on an unresponsive person. Upon arrival, deputies located a male subject who was obviously deceased.

Investigators with the Merced County Sheriff’s Office are actively conducting a death investigation. This is an active and ongoing case, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at (209) 385-7445. Callers may remain anonymous.

Source: Merced County Sheriff’s Office