A man who died in a car fire last week near Lake Hodges took his own life, a family member confirmed on.
The body of LeRoy L. McDowell, 68, was found inside the burned remains of his car early Friday, in a dirt lot on Highland Valley Road, near the east end of Lake Hodges.
A nearby resident saw the flames at about 1 a.m. and called 911. Investigators found two gas cans in the back seat of the car. A family member confirmed that McDowell left a note at his home, indicating that he planned to take his own life. That family member said San Diego police confirmed that the cause of death was suicide.
San Diego police homicide detectives have been investigating the death, and on Monday, the county medical examiner identified McDowell as the victim.
According to an obituary written by the family, McDowell was a high school administrator for many years in San Marcos. He most recently lived in San Diego.
