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Autopsy Confirms Body Found in Seal Beach is Missing Swimmer
Photo by youngthousands via the LAist Featured Photos pool
A body found off Seal Beach last week has been confirmed as being that of missing swimmer Joe Wayne Benford of Long Beach, reports the OC Register. Benford, 24, had been missing for two weeks after he disappeared in rough waters while body-boarding with friends. Dental records were used to confirm the identity of the body that was retrieved from the waters near the west jetty of Anaheim Bay at the U.S. Naval Weapons Station on September 16.
Benford had been in the water with three friends on the evening of August 31, while a high surf advisory was in effect. His friends emerged on the shore, but Benford was nowhere to be seen. His bodyboard later washed ashore. A search took place over two days for Benford.
The Orange County Coroner's office says there were no signs of foul play, however they will not confirm a cause of death until toxicology results come in.