The coroner's office identified the body as 55-year-old Clifford Morris of Richland, Wash. The pilot was in town because of work, police said.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Captain Morris, who was a highly respected pilot and 26-year veteran at Alaska," said Gary Beck, Alaska Airlines' vice president of flight operations, in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lee's fiancée and other loved ones. He will be greatly missed by his fellow pilots and all employees at Alaska."
Morris' body was discovered along the Scott Road off-ramp a few yards from the freeway at 5:55 p.m. Tuesday. The off-ramp was closed as investigators combed the area for clues.
The cause of death is unknown at this time. An autopsy is planned for Wednesday. There were no signs of foul play, but investigators are treating the death as suspicious, Burbank police said.
