Missing LA County Fire Department captain died by self-inflicted gunshot wound

MONTECITO, Calif. (KABC) -- The Los Angeles County Fire Department captain, whose body was found in Santa Barbara County, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said Monday.

The body of Wayne Stuart Habell was identified by his family on Sunday. His body was found Saturday at about 6 p.m., and was then taken to the county coroner's office.

The 43-year-old Habell had last been seen leaving his home at 7:30 a.m. last Monday. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's deputies responded to the area of Hot Springs Trail in Montecito after a suspicious vehicle was reported Friday. The vehicle was registered to Habell.

The body was found the following day.

Habell worked at Fire Station 73 in Newhall.