Sonora, Ca…On Tuesday at about 5 PM, it was reported to the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office that there was a possible deceased person near Elsey’s pond located at Sullivan Creek behind the Dodge dealership off Mono Way in Sonora. A friend of the man said he tried to wake him but received no response.

Sheriff’s Deputies located a deceased homeless man at the camp. No signs of foul play were found. The man had a hospital band on his wrist which helped to identify him.
He is 55 year old Ernest Richard and his next of kin has been notified. An autopsy and toxicology will be performed to identify cause of death. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernest’s family and friends.