Human Remains Found in Los Liones Identified as Missing UCLA Student

The human remains discovered by a pair of hikers Saturday near Los Liones Canyon Trail in Pacific Palisades have been identified as that of missing UCLA honors student David John Goeser. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has determined the cause of death to be suicide. Goeser died from a single gunshot wound to the head. A semiautomatic pistol was also found next to the body, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The missing 22-year-old was last seen by his roommates on July 22 at his Westwood home. His car was found three days later near the trailhead to Los Liones Canyon. Authorities searched the area but were unable to locate any signs of Goeser. Goeser’s family released the following statement Thursday after his body was officially identified: ‘Our son David John Goeser disappeared from his Westwood apartment, taking only limited identification and a few personal belongings. On July 25 David’s white Toyota Corolla was found just down the street from the entrance to Los Liones Canyon trailhead, near the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. Exactly two months later, on Saturday, September 22, two hikers came across the remains of a body just a few hundred yards from where his car was abandoned. On September 26, upon examination by the L.A. county coroner’s office, the body was confirmed to be that of our son, David. Needless to say, we are completely devastated by our loss. After a year of struggling with severe depression, David took his own life. Pathology reports revealed that he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. We are ever grateful to law enforcement who worked tirelessly in searching for David. We would also like to thank all the thousands of volunteers who helped in the search for our son. From local churches, fellow students, friends, and the larger Facebook community, we are indebted to you for your amazing show of love and support during this trying time. In honor of David, we extend an invitation to everyone to join us for a special memorial service on October 6 at 2 p.m. at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village. Additional details will be released shortly on the Facebook page (www.FindDavidGoeser.com) about the service and the David Goeser Memorial Fund. We ask that the privacy of the Goeser family please be respected during this very difficult time.’