On May 17, 1979, at approximately 0740 hours, a citizen riding his bike in the area discovered the body of 14-year-old Adam Ashley just above the surf line on Torrey Pines State Beach. The area was described as .5 miles south of Carmel Valley Rd. near lifeguard tower number 4. During the investigation, it was learned that Ashley was reported as a missing person from Del Mar by his foster father, Eugene Requa (deceased). Requa stated Ashley was last seen on May 16, 1979, going to the beach for a swim.

Adam Ashley is described as 5'8" tall, with shoulder-length brown curly hair, wearing brown corduroy shorts, and a white long sleeve thermal top.