Ryan A. Martin, 42-Year-Old Male, Found Dead in Ocean at 22nd Street in Hermosa Beach

A man’s body was discovered in the ocean at 22nd Street in Hermosa Beach early on Friday morning. The man has been identified as Ryan A. Martin, a 42-year-old white male who may have been a homeless person who frequently visited the South Bay area. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau is investigating the death as a possible homicide, suicide, or accidental drowning. Lieutenant Mike Gomez stated that no possibilities have been ruled out, including suicide.

Determining the cause of death may take three to six months, according to Kelly Vail, the Public Information Officer for the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Martin’s immediate family has been notified of his tragic passing.

Initial reports suggesting that Martin had suffered a gunshot wound to the head were incorrect. Lieutenant Gomez clarified that although Martin had blood and a facial injury, there was no evidence of a gunshot wound or a fatal blow. He mentioned that there appeared to be a small abrasion on Martin’s face, but nothing that indicated a cause of death.

Martin’s body was found naked in the surf off 22nd Street at around 7:15 a.m. by a local resident named Frank Kessler. Kessler, who discovered the body during his daily surf check, pulled Martin out of the water and attempted CPR before realizing that he was already deceased.

Kessler mentioned that he noticed wounds on both sides of Martin’s temples, although he did not closely examine them. He described Martin’s face as intact but purple, with black eyes that were open.

Lieutenant Gomez stated that it seemed Martin had not been in the ocean for an extended period, possibly only a few hours. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed Martin in the water or has any information about the incident to contact the Los Angeles County Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.