Man Hangs Self in View of Shoppers Near Sport Chalet

Editor's Note: This story originally published Aug. 1.

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. -- Investigators believe a 49-year-old man hanged himself Wednesday behind Sport Chalet in Laguna Niguel.

He was later identified as .

Authorities originally said the body was found behind the nearby Costco, but on Thursday, witnesses and city officials said the suicide actually happened behind the at 27080 Alicia Parkway.

Using his own belt, the man hanged himself in plain view of shoppers behind the store, said Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino.

"He must have wanted to be found," said Amormino. "I don't know any problem that is that bad that it cannot be helped. There is always hope. And clearly this person was depressed. But with help, it may have made a difference. He is someone's uncle or father, and he leaves behind those people at such a relatively young age."

The Sheriff’s Department received a call that a from the railing at the back of the Costco at 2:26 p.m. Wednesday.

The first deputy on the scene attempted CPR, as did paramedics, but the man was declared dead at the scene, sheriff's Lt. Lloyd Downing said.