The human remains found by hikers in Pacific Palisades in late September were those of missing UCLA student David Goeser, authorities confirmed. Goeser, who went missing over the summer, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The 22-year-old English major was last seen by his roommates at their Westwood apartment the morning of July 22. After not hearing from him for a few days, his family checked his apartment, but only found his ID, cell phone and credit cards. Three days after his disappearance, his car was located in Pacific Palisades near the Los Liones Canyon Trail, where the remains were found.
Over the past year Goeser had shown signs of depression and was under a doctor’s care prior to his disappearance, his mother told UCLA’s Daily Bruin in July.
“While we grieve this tremendous loss, we are immensely grateful for the love and support of all who helped us in our search,” Goeser’s family wrote in a statement on the “Find David Goeser” Facebook page. “We would ask that you continue to respect the family’s privacy at this time, and we thank you for your ongoing prayers and support.”
A memorial service for Goeser took place Oct. 6 in Westlake Village.