Body of missing Oceanside man found in Antelope Valley

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) -- A 76-year-old man suffering from dementia, who was reported missing in Oceanside in mid-July, was found dead in an unincorporated desert area in the Antelope Valley Saturday morning.

Los Angeles County search and rescue deputies, along with Lancaster Sheriff's Station deputies, found the body of Nickolaos Christidis around 10:30 a.m. near 140th Street East and Avenue 1 in Lake Los Angeles.

Christidis was reported missing on July 23 and his last known whereabouts were near Rosamond. That morning, Christidis spoke with his ex-wife, telling her he was in Escondido and would be home soon. When he did not return home, his daughter called him and he told her he was in the desert.

When his daughter attempted to call him later that evening, he did not answer his cellphone. Authorities traced the call and found that Christidis was in an area between Palmdale and Lancaster.

His body was found less than a mile away from his car, which was stuck in a sand area that is not visible from the nearby roads. Authorities said there were no indications of foul play.

Anyone with more information on the incident is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact "Crime Stoppers" at (800) 222-8477.