Remains of Missing Camper Found on Santa Cruz Island

Sheriff spokesperson Sergeant Mark Williams says rescue teams found the body of a missing camper at 8 this morning.It appears he had accidentally fallen from a steep cliff near Sycamore Cove on Santa Cruz Island.A medical examiner identified him as 23-year-old Christopher Anthony Mondiek, from Dublin, Ohio.On Monday the National Park Service was notified by Island Packers, a boating company in the Ventura Harbor, that Mondiek had not returned from an overnight trip.They found Mondiek’s car still parked in the Ventura Harbor parking lot.A Sheriff’s helicopter flew out to the Islands Monday but had to turn back due to stormy weather. The body was brought back via boat to harbor where coroner’s detectives from Santa Barbara were waiting.Since Santa Cruz Island is considered part of Santa Barbara County they are now in charge of the investigation.Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office say, they were able to find his tent.They are not sure exactly when he fell to his death.One of his parents told investigators that he had been in California for a photography internship in Burbank.He was expected to fly home for the holidays tomorrow.Photo on the left is courtesy of Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue. Share your comments about this story with us on the KEY News Facebook page. Connect with KEY News on Twitter