MALIBU—A father of two was fatally shot while camping in Malibu Creek State Park with his two daughter on Friday, June 22. According to reports, Tristan Beaudette, 35, of Irvine was camping with his daughters, ages 2 and 4 when he was shot inside his tent. 

According to the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, the shooting was reported at 4:44 a.m. on the 1900 block of Las Vicente’s Rd. Beaudette sustained one gunshot wound to his upper torso and was pronounced dead at the scene. Beaudette’s LinkedIn page indicated he worked as Associate Director for the pharmaceutical company, Allergan. 

There were no reports of any other injuries during the incident. Authorities have not disclosed details for a motive for the shooting or a suspect. Deputies from the Lost Hills Sheriff Station responded to the call regarding shots fired at the location.

“Tristan was happiest out in nature and spent every chance he could hiking, biking and camping with his family,” said his family in a statement. A GoFundMe page was setup for Beaudette which has raised over $110,000 as of Tuesday, June 26.

“On behalf of Tristan’s wife Erica, we are heartbroken to share the news that Tristan is no longer with us. Words cannot express the absolute devastation and sorrow we feel from the loss of someone so dear to our family.

Tristan was out doing something he adored in life, being in the outdoors with his two young girls. His wife Erica was preparing to take an exam the next morning. This was their final step before taking well-deserved time off together as a family prior to their relocation to new jobs in the Bay Area. They were about to embark on a new chapter in their lives. And then it was all taken away, by a fatal gun shot in the middle of the night, in front of his two young daughters. Not a second goes by that we aren’t grappling with the senselessness of this crime.

Tristan, you were such an amazing father, husband, son, and brother. You were admired by so many for your devotion to your wife and two daughters. We are all so fortunate to have known you for your short time on Earth. You were taken from us far too early, doing something you loved with the girls you adored. You will be so dearly missed. May you rest in peace,” the family issued in a statement.

Tony Hoffan with California State Parks informed NBC 4 news that the campground will be closed until Thursday, June 28. “We will evaluate daily whether we can re-open sooner or if the closure has to continue past June 28,” said Hoffman.

Beaudette leaves behind his wife Emily Wu and his two daughters. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Los Angeles County’s Sheriff’s Department Hillside Beareau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters looking to remain anonymous can call “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Written By Joanna Rosales and Donald Roberts