Missing Templeton man identified in suspicious death investigation

By Staff Report · Fri Aug 07 2026

TEMPLETON — A man found dead along the shoulder of U.S. 101 near Vineyard Road on July 31 has been identified as Chad Corpuz, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The San Luis Obispo Communications Center received a call from California Department of Transportation personnel at approximately 11:05 a.m. reporting a possible dead body on the west shoulder of U.S. 101. CHP Templeton Area personnel responded with fire personnel and found a male lying face down in the dirt shoulder.

No personal identification was found near the scene.

CHP’s Coastal Division Investigative Services Unit, working with the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office, later positively identified the man as Corpuz. His family has been notified.

CHP is investigating the death as suspicious. When asked by the Paso Robles Press whether a cause of death had been determined, CHP said, “not at this time.”

Corpez was reported missing on June 18 after he was last seen leaving his residence in the 1200 block of Bennett Way in Templeton around 11 a.m. on June 16. Authorities said he left behind his cell phone, vehicle, and dog and was believed to be traveling on foot. He also failed to report to work on June 17. Corpuz was considered at risk because investigators believed he was experiencing a mental health crisis. 

Authorities thanked community members who provided information during the investigation.

The original story can be found at pasoroblespress.com/templeton-man-reported-missing-considered-at-risk