The Coroner’s Office has identified John Bertsche, 43, of Coalinga as the man found deceased on Thursday. A manner of death and cause of death are pending.
Bertsche was last seen on August 15th and his wife later reported him to Coalinga Police as a missing person. Thursday, a Coalinga Police Officer found Bertsche’s vehicle in the area of Elm and Firestone Ave. A search of the area was conducted and he was found lying in an area comprised of hills and fields. Due to this being a county location, detectives from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit were contacted and began an investigation.
Due to the steep, rugged terrain, deputies and coroner office staff were not able to reach the body. The California Highway Patrol helicopter (H40) was requested and flew in to pick-up the body.
