With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Family Confirms Body Found In Golf Course Pond Is Missing AIG VP
Omar and Diane Meza (Photo via the Find Omar Meza Facebook page)
The family of missing AIG executive Omar Meza has confirmed that it was his body investigators found in a pond at the JW Marriott Desert Springs yesterday.Police pulled Meza's body out of a man-made pond near the 18th hole of a golf course on the grounds of the JW Marriott Desert Springs Hotel in Palm Desert yesterday at around 2:15 p.m., USA Today reports.
The coroner's office has not confirmed it was Meza, but on the Facebook page Find Omar Meza, which has been posting updates since Meza's disappearance last week, the family issued the following statement:
"We are with heavy hearts tonight as we announce the passing of Omar Meza. He was a very loved son, husband, brother & friend. We would like to take this time to grieve his passing and ask that everyone please respect our privacy at this time. We would like to thank all of the supporters this past week. It brings tears to our eyes to see how well loved Omar was, he will be missed by many."
Meza went missing last Thursday during a business trip after having dinner with coworkers in nearby Indian Wells. Meza called his wife, Diane Meza, around 11 p.m. to tell her he was returning to his hotel room at the Courtyard Marriott—about a mile and a half from the JW—and would call her then. Meza's coworkers said they then saw him leave the restaurant in an Uber.
Sponsored message
Meza never made it to the Courtyard Marriott, however. Security cameras show him entering the lobby of the JW Marriott, then different cameras pick him up walking outside the hotel near a parking lot. Investigators later found his jacket and wallet on the resort's golf course. Meza was reported missing Friday morning after missing his meetings.
Diane Meza told reporters earlier that they had gotten in a car crash in March that left Meza with some memory loss. She was concerned he may have gotten disoriented. She also said she feared the Uber driver may have mistakenly dropped Meza off at the JW, not the Courtyard, which would explain why he entered the lobby and then was later seen outside.
At LAist, we focus on what matters to our community: clear, fair, and transparent reporting that helps you make decisions with confidence and keeps powerful institutions accountable.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
