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A motorist traveling on the Angeles Crest Highway about three miles north of the Foothill (210) Freeway spotted what he believed to be a dead body at the side of the road at around 5:45 this morning.
The driver turned around and alerted authorities, and now an investigation is underway, and the road has been closed in both directions.
So far, few details about the discovery are known or have been made available. According to a live report on KTLA-5, the body is that of a male.
"Officials said the highway was expected to be shut in both directions for approximately four hours," reports ABC7, who note the estimated time of re-opening is 10:30 a.m.
UPDATE 12:15 PM Authorities say Angeles Crest Highway will remain closed until 3:30 p.m. today as the investigation continues. No further details have been released about the deceased.
UPDATE 2:20 PM The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department say that the victim's identity and cause of death will be determined by Los Angeles County Coroner personnel.
The LASD say that while detectives found ballistic evidence at the scene, the victim's injuries are unknown at this time. Also, the body is not that of a missing film studio exec: "Missing person Gavin Smith has been ruled out as the victim in this investigation," remarks the LASD in a news release.
UPDATE 3:10 PM According to the La Crescenta Sheriff's Station, the roadway won't be reopened before 5 p.m., reports CNS.
