A grim scene unfolded just outside Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night while the Dodgers were still playing the Cardinals inside.
Los Angeles police were called to the area near Bernard Street and Stadium Way at about 8:48 p.m. Officers found a man dead there, only a few hundred yards from the game in Chavez Ravine. Shohei Ohtani and the rest of the Dodgers were still on the field when the body was discovered, and there was no sign anyone inside the stadium knew what had happened nearby.
Police audio reviewed by the New York Post indicated that callers first spotted the body from the road and alerted authorities. Multiple callers described the man as being in plain sight before officers arrived. Police later confirmed the death and started an investigation at the scene.
An LAPD spokesperson said investigators do not suspect foul play. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office said the case is still pending identification and notification of next of kin, so the man’s name has not been released. Officials have not said how long that process might take.
The location was less than half a mile from home plate, close enough that emergency vehicles likely moved within view of fans coming and going from the stadium. The game started at 7:10 p.m. and ran until about 10:10 p.m., meaning the discovery came while the contest was still underway and the crowd inside remained unaware.
On the field, the Dodgers and Cardinals battled into extra innings before St. Louis pulled out an 8-6 win.
LAPD has not provided additional details about the man or what led to his death, and the investigation remains active as police and the medical examiner’s office work to notify his family. Authorities have also asked anyone with relevant information to come forward.
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