Homeless man found dead near encampment identified

The body of a homeless Pahrump man was discovered near a makeshift camp Friday afternoon.

Gilbert Avelar, 67, was found deceased near a homeless camp located just east of Crawford Way and Highway 160.

The Nye County Sheriff's Office received a call at approximately 5:45 p.m. Friday that a man was found lying in the desert near the homeless camp.

Deputies responded along with detectives and found the body of Avelar, whom one of the detectives recognized from previous encounters.

A woman said she was walking to the store to buy something to drink when she came across the body. She said she recognized the body as Avelar, who was one of her friends, according to police.

Sheriff Sharon Wehrly said that she did not expect foul play and that there were no signs of visible injuries. It was also noted that Avelar had not been seen for two days prior to the discovery of his body.

Avelar was wearing a ring and a necklace, so robbery was also ruled out as a possibility in the case.

The body of Avelar was transported to the Clark County coroner, where the investigation into the cause and circumstances of his death are ongoing.

Attempts to notify next of kin for Avelar have been unsuccessful.