Homeless Man Found Dead near Chase Palm Park

A male street person perceived to be in his fifties was found dead Wednesday afternoon near the carousel at Chase Palm Park, which borders Mission Creek and the railroad tracks, said city police Sgt. John Ingram. Located at 323 East Cabrillo Boulevard, the park neighbors a popular transient hangout place.

The man — found dead inside his sleeping bag by emergency personnel at around 1:15 p.m. — had recently been treated for an illness at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, according to Ingram. No suspicious circumstances surround the man’s death, which is being investigated as due to natural causes. Pending next-of-kin notification, his name has not been released.

Wednesday morning rain marked the opening of the county’s Freedom Warming Centers. The shelters remain open through 6 p.m., Thursday, February 18.