Authorities: Death in Rohnert Park not suspicious

Erroneous social media rumors prompted authorities to release information about the incident.|

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

March 21, 2023

Where to find help in Sonoma County

New Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

How it works: Routes callers to trained mental health professionals at regional crisis centers, who then refer those in need to local crisis support services.

Other resources for those experiencing mental health crises:

Sonoma County Crisis Stabilization Unit: 707-576-8181

Sonoma County Behavioral Health Services: 707-565-6900

24-hour toll-free hotline is administered by the North Bay Suicide Prevention Program of Buckelew Programs: 855-587-6373

National Alliance on Mental Illness: Sonoma County: 866-960-6264

LifeWorks of Sonoma County: 707-568-2300

A Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office investigation has concluded that a man who was discovered dead on the edge of Rohnert Park Tuesday died by suicide.

The department does not typically release information related to suicides, Deputy Rob Dillion, a Sheriff’s Office spokesman, said Wednesday. But, he added, authorities opted to release details about the incident because “social media rumors claimed this was a homicide before detectives were able to investigate and determine what had happened.”

Dillion said Gabriel Jacob Gabaldon, 50, was discovered in the vicinity of a homeless encampment on Roberts Lake Road, near Rohnert Park city limits.

The investigation into Gabaldon’s death started shortly after 4:45 a.m. Tuesday. No other details were released.

Dillion said people contemplating suicide can call or text 988 to immediately be connected to a trained counselor.

You can reach Staff Writer Jeremy Hay at 707-387-2960 or jeremy.hay@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @jeremyhay