Body Found In La Sierra University Campus Pond

RIVERSIDE, CA — A person found dead Monday in a pond on the campus of La Sierra University does not appear to be a homicide victim, according to police.

"At this time, there does not appear to be any foul play suspected in this death investigation," according to a Riverside Police Department statement released about 2:30 p.m. "The identity of the decedent and cause of death are pending the coroner."

Riverside police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback said that a campus operations official conducting "maintenance work" in the 4500 block of Riverwalk Parkway spotted the remains submerged in the pond about 10:30 a.m.

The worker immediately called 911, and Riverside police detectives initiated an investigation. They coordinated with Riverside County Sheriff's Department Coroner personnel to conduct an examination on-site that lasted into the early afternoon hours, Railsback told City News Service. He could not confirm whether the remains were those of a man or woman, nor was there any information available regarding the possible circumstances behind the death.

"Our security team is monitoring the situation, but we don't have any further details at this time," La Sierra University spokeswoman Darla Tucker told CNS.

She said additional information will be circulated via social media as it comes available, but all investigative details will come from the law enforcement.