Suspicious Death Near Pigeon Point Lighthouse Under Investigation

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A man who died in the ocean near the Pigeon Point Lighthouse early Monday morning has been identified as 30-year-old Jeffery Conley Young, San Mateo County sheriff's officials said.

Young moved to California from Texas about three years ago, deputies said. He lived in Southern California and frequently visited the Santa Cruz area. The circumstances of his death remain uncertain.

Deputies were dispatched to the area of state Highway 1 and the Pigeon Point Lighthouse after receiving reports of a man crying for help at about 4:47 a.m. The man was located about 30 yards from the shore just south of the lighthouse with help from the U.S. Coast Guard, but he was unresponsive and first-responders were unable to revive him.

Investigators believe Young may have been with other people in Santa Cruz the night before he died. Pigeon Point Lighthouse is located about 40 miles north of Santa Cruz, however.

Deputies said they've launched an investigation due to the "unusual circumstances surrounding" Young's death.

Anyone who knew Young or his whereabouts prior to his death is asked to call Detective Jerri Cosens at (650) 363-4347, or the anonymous tip line at (800) 547-2700.

— By Bay City News Service