Body Found Washed Ashore Is Identified

Avalon authorities have identified the body that sparked a local mystery last month when it washed ashore at Santa Catalina Island.

Although the release of the cause of death is pending, sheriff's officials confirmed that the body is that of Larry Alan Deeds, a 49-year-old Santa Barbara resident whose 32-foot sailboat was moored in Avalon Bay when his body was discovered without identification Jan. 22.

Sgt. Bob Wachsmuth said the body had remained unidentified for so long because Deeds had been alone on the boat and had paid a week's mooring fees in advance.