Homeless Man Found Dead In The Castro [Updated]

Homeless Man Found Dead In The Castro [Updated]Photos: Brian Ray/Hoodline
Brian Ray
Published on July 28, 2015

A man was found dead today on 18th Street between Noe and Sanchez at around 12:10pm. [Update, 10/1: The BAR reports that the cause of death was an accidental meth overdose, according to the Medical Examiner’s office.]

Witnesses (including this reporter) saw the man, who appeared to be homeless, alive and moving in the same location earlier that morning. He had wrapped himself in a blanket on the pavement and was sporadically getting up or adjusting his position.


Shortly after noon today, police arrived after hearing reports of the man being unresponsive. Upon examination, they concluded that he was deceased. No other information has been given at this time as to what the cause of death might be.

Witnesses also included employees at 7-Eleven and other residents. No one could recall seeing the man regularly around the area in the past. Tipster Ashley initially alerted us to the news:

The Castro has seen other deaths of homeless individuals in the recent past, with neighborhood fixture Anastasia passing away outside Peet's Coffee in January of this year, and homeless man Barry LeBlanc passing in January 2014.

Update, 4:30pm: "At this time the decedent's identity is pending confirmation," said Christopher Wirowek, acting administrator of the medical examiner's office. "Once the decedent's family has been contacted the Department can release the name, age, and county of residency."

Brian Hill, Deputy Chief of Patrol and Assistant Vice Chairperson for Castro Community on Patrol (CCOP), had the following message for those hoping to help out: "We'd like to add a mention of Castro Cares as a place people can donate to to make a difference."

Update, 8/10: The Medical Examiner's office has identified the man as 38-year-old San Francisco resident James Welch.