MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. – Mendocino County officials are investigating the possible homicide of a man whose body was found in Westport on Thursday.

Capt. Kurt Smallcomb of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office said the body of the 44-year-old male was discovered Thursday night in the 44000 block of North Highway 1.

Shortly after 10:30 p.m. Mendocino County Sheriff's deputies, along with coastal medical personnel, were dispatched to the location on North Highway 1 regarding a possible bear attack, which was reported to have caused the victim's death, Smallcomb said.

Smallcomb said that on arrival, medical personnel and deputies examined the victim, who was located adjacent his vehicle, and found that the man's injuries were not consistent with a bear attack.

He said Mendocino County Sheriff's detectives were summoned to the location and are conducting further investigation into the victim's death, which is being listed as a homicide.

An autopsy will take place on Monday, Aug. 15, at which time the victim's name is expected to be released, Smallcomb said.

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