On December 4th, 2025, the body of an unhoused male, identified as Pete Leent Smith, was discovered by a Cal Trans crew in an encampment near a freeway entrance in Los Angeles, California. Smith was found unresponsive, leading to an immediate call to emergency services. Upon arrival, 911 responders pronounced him deceased at the scene. The cause of death was determined to be natural, with no suspicious circumstances involved.
Pete Leent Smith's origins trace back to West Virginia, though no further familial information or contacts are known. This lack of familial ties adds to the complexities of the case, as authorities have been unable to notify any next of kin about his passing. Although Smith's life ended in Los Angeles, details of his journey from West Virginia remain largely unknown, shrouded in the privacy of those who live without homes.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, located at 1104 North Mission Road, is handling the case, designated under the agency case number 2025-18917. For those seeking further information or who may hold knowledge of Smith's life or relations, the Medical Examiner's office can be reached at 323-343-0512 or through their website at https://me.lacounty.gov/. As Pete Leent Smith's case remains unclaimed, the hope lingers that someone may come forward to provide a connection to his past.
Date Found: 12/04/2025
