Body Found On Highway 4 Was Teen Reported Missing From Concord: Police

CONCORD, CA — The body of a 19-year-old Pittsburg man reported missing in Concord was found Saturday by his family members, police said.

Saturday afternoon, family members of Damond Lazenby Jr. were searching for him on state Highway 4 near Port Chicago Highway. They found his body just off the side of the freeway and notified the California Highway Patrol, Concord police said in a news release.

Lazenby was reported missing by his family on New Year's Day. His car was found abandoned early that morning near the state Highway 4 overpass on Port Chicago Highway.

Police said his family members found his body in an area that was searched early last week.

Concord police detectives responded to the scene to speak with the CHP and the victim’s family.

CHP has jurisdiction over the area where the body was found and its detectives have assumed the lead in the death investigation.

"We send our condolences to the Lazenby family during this difficult time," Concord police said. "At the time, we do not have a conclusive cause of death. The investigation will continue in the coming days with the Highway Patrol, CPD, and the Coroner’s office."

Police said anyone with information about the case should contact the CHP at 707-917-4491.

'Old Soul With A Beautiful Sense Of Humor'

A GoFundMe campaign organized to help his surviving family members had garnered more than $12,000 in donations as of noon Wednesday.

According to the GoFundMe page titled "Help Damond Lazenby Jr.'s Family":

"... The family has been devastated by the loss in our struggle to understand how something so tragic could happen."

"Damond was a brother, a son and a role model to his young niece. Damond was loved by many including his family, friends and anyone who came in contact with him. He was an old soul with a beautiful sense of humor. His presence was always felt anytime he was around with his life-of-the-party attitude. Despite his young age, he worked hard with his dad to support a family-owned business (Your Movers & Haulers). Damond Jr. was the primary worker to assist his father in his hauling business. The loss of Damond Jr. will have a catastrophic impact on a small business that relied on his support. As the family processes this unprecedented loss any contribution will greatly aid the family in this time of grief. The family is also grateful for all prayers and well wishes received during this time of hardship."