.
Feedback

Body Found in Downtown Los Gatos

Man is reported deceased Wednesday morning in bathroom of Pizza My Heart at 9 No. Santa Cruz Avenue

A man was found deceased Wednesday morning in a public bathroom in downtown Los Gatos, police have confirmed.

At about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Los Gatos-Monte Sereno police were notified that there was a person believed to be a homeless individual possibly dead in the bathroom to the rear of 9 No. Santa Cruz Ave., said Sgt. spokesman Kerry Harris.

Officers arrived and found the man deceased in the restroom as reported, Harris added.

There was no sign of trauma, nor evidence of foul play, he said. "The scene did not bear evidence that would suggest that criminal activity took place. So normally, unless the coroner's process reveals something to indicate foul play, the case would be closed," Harris said.

The Santa Clara County Coroner's Office was notified and responded to the scene.

A medical examiner identified the man as Christopher Blatnick, 50, a transient out of Los Gatos. His family has been notified, the examiner said, adding that cause of death is still pending.

Editor's Note: Los Gatos Patch doesn't report on natural deaths that take place in private places, however, we do report such incidents when they occur in public settings such as this one. Patch received one anonymous tip about this incident from a reader concerned about what he had seen.

Gabe Roberts October 25, 2012 at 08:25 pm
Looks like he had previously been arrested for being drunk in downtown Los Gatos. 1:42 p.m., 423 N Santa Cruz Ave: Christopher Blatnick and Thomas Henry Crema were arrested for being drunk and lying on the ground by a store.
2011 - patch
Sheila Sanchez (Editor) October 25, 2012 at 08:28 pm
Thanks for the heads up, Gabe. That's the value of our police blotter. My heart goes out to him, his family and friends. My father battled alcoholism for years and was living on the streets for quite some time before the AA program and a sponsor rescued him. So sad when this happens and so young.
Brad Kava (Editor) October 26, 2012 at 02:20 am
I never knew Los Gatos had news..when I lived there and worked at a daily newspaper...But every day I see some fantastic and unusual story here on Patch.
Irene Aida Garza-Ortiz October 26, 2012 at 11:16 pm
That's why I like the Los Gatos Patch. Sheila really keeps us in the "KNOW"!
Isis Moonheart October 29, 2012 at 12:59 am
Interesting, that the homeless camp was just removed.
Thomas Kouns November 5, 2012 at 01:27 pm
I knew Christopher. He grew up in Los Gatos and was also a veteran. He fell on some very tough times and unfortunately could not find his way out. St. Luke's Church in Los Gatos has an outreach program for the homeless community in Los Gatos and could always use donations, food, etc.
Sheila Sanchez (Editor) November 5, 2012 at 01:49 pm
Thomas Kouns, please email me at sheila.sanchez@patch.com. I'd like to ask you some questions about Christopher for a follow-up story I'm working on. Deeply sorry for your loss. Thanks for the reminder about St. Luke's Episcopal Church's outreach program to help the less fortunate.
Suzette November 15, 2012 at 03:01 am
Chris was my brother. I would like to thank St. Lukes for taking care of and enabling him all these all these years. I would also like to thank the Los Gatos Police Department for not returning my call regarding my brother. And another special thank you to Sheila with the Patch for not responding to my e-mail. Chris was not a veteran. Chris was a liar, a thief, and a con artist. Chris was also very intelligent, senstive, and caring. But Chris was an alcoholic above and beyond any other thing in his life. Unfortunately that was an inheritied trait, maybe not trait, inherited period. You all seem to want to make a change, but I'm not seeing it. Good Luck to you all.
Donna Z November 20, 2012 at 05:10 am
Sorry for your loss Suzette, don't know of a family that addictions hasn't touched in one way or another. I didn't know of Chris, but hope that he is at peace, and you too.
Brian Johnson November 21, 2012 at 03:47 pm
This is awful! Suzette, I am so sorry for your loss. But, I am even more sorry that we live in an era when people are so irresponsible that they spread info without checking. A responsible journalist would have run a followup article with more than 1 source/side. Patch and Ms. Sanchez, I hope they learn better for the future, and even the police.
Frankie Torrente January 15, 2013 at 09:37 pm
Thank you los gatos patch , I no longer live in town but I still hold it deep in my soul , I went to school with Chris, we were not close but did converse many times.peace and comfort to the family knowing hes warm and safe as it should be. blessings from folsom .
Frankie Torrente January 15, 2013 at 10:00 pm
wow I did not read what Suzette wrote, I'm so sorry girl, I know your frustrations the Los Gatos police, been there done that, as for the patch, come on guys get your facts straight, or you're really just the gossip column. blessings Suzette
Lisa Hofman January 16, 2013 at 12:03 am
Sad news indeed.
Brent Bonham January 16, 2013 at 01:10 pm
It was the National Guard. He was an officer, though I do not remember the rank. I am happy that he had friends helping him. I wish I could have seen him again.
RIP Chris.
Suzette February 2, 2013 at 12:20 am
Frank: Thank you for the kind words. I did not know that you knew my brother. Since no one bothered to contact me regarding the "story of his life" they have no idea that his family loved him very much and wanted him to recover from his addictions to alcohol and drugs. Chris was sober for a period of months after our parents passed away in December of 1998 but he chose to drink again and at that time I could not let his addiction effect my family or my sobriety. If Chris had wanted to get sober he could have. The coroners office still has not sent me the official cause of death, so who knows what killed him. I was told someone saw him around 7:00 am in the restroom and said he was acting agitated and then they found him unresponsive around 9:00 am. I do not think it is a coincidence that the day he died was my mothers birthday. Thank you again for the kind words. They mean alot to me. Hope all is well with you and yours.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Los Gatos Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
We need more details/facts, I realize these are minors and their names are protected. But when,Read More where and what were the circumstances!
Steve Johnson June 18, 2013 at 10:14 am
I would rather not put out any of the names of the victims or the alleged rapist just in case he isRead More acquitted. I would suggest you follow up with LGPD and LGHS officials for any further information.
Sheila Sanchez (Editor) June 18, 2013 at 10:17 am
I just emailed Sgt. Stephen Walpole, but he's on vacation until June 20. I last reported on a rapeRead More at the Los Gatos Lodge in March, but Sgt. Harris back then said the department's records unit need time to research just how many of these sex crimes had been reported to police. I'll check with the district.
Castle Rocking Chair.
McGill Patio June 9, 2013 at 01:09 pm
Have this link copy and paste on your web page to get to our Facebook Page:)
Sheila Sanchez (Editor) June 5, 2013 at 09:46 am
Thanks for the announcement, Laura. Can you please post this under events? That's where our usersRead More are going to find out what's happening in town, too! Thank you.
Sheila Sanchez (Editor) June 4, 2013 at 08:08 am
Excited for the series to begin! Good rocking times ahead! Thanks for offering this to theRead More community, Teri!
Sheila Sanchez (Editor) June 4, 2013 at 08:07 am
Awesome news! I'll stop by for a hot dog! Best wishes, Dan!
Jim McCarthy June 5, 2013 at 03:10 pm
Woo Hoo!! I've been having withdrawls!!!