Unconscious man found naked in Newport Beach

Newport Beach police Tuesday were trying to find out why a Fullerton man was found naked and unconscious along a bike path Sunday.

Wade Ryan Garrison, 24, was found sunburned and without clothes on a path behind an apartment complex near Bonita Creek Park, Newport Beach Police Sgt. Bill Hartford said.

He remained in a coma at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian on Tuesday.

Police said they do not suspect foul play, but it is unknown why Garrison was found unconscious and what he was doing on the bike path. Hartford said Garrison doesn’t appear to be a victim of a crime.

Police did not find any signs of traumatic injury. Hospital officials are looking into the possibility of a drug overdose, Hartford said.

Detectives met with Garrison’s family at Hoag Hospital on Tuesday to discuss any background information that may help them understand what happened, Hartford said.

A pile of men’s clothing was found near where Garrison was lying, but police did not find a wallet or any identification. Garrison’s girlfriend reported him missing to the Fullerton Police Department on Saturday night. His roommate called police Tuesday when he saw Garrison’s picture on television, Hartford said.

An off-duty Newport police volunteer spotted Garrison, naked and sprawled out on his back on the pavement about 100 yards from Bonita Creek Park at 1 p.m. Sunday. The man was breathing, but did not respond to Newport Beach firefighter paramedics.

The bike path where Garrison was found Sunday is a secluded path that runs alongside the Corona del Mar Freeway (73). Costa Mesa resident Anne Romero walks the path often and said that she thinks people live in the heavy brush nearby.

Romero, who watches her grandkids in the nearby Newport North apartments, said it’s a safety concern.

“To the point where I wouldn’t let my grandkids come here by themselves,” Romero said.