Merced County Coroner asking for help, needs to find deceased man’s family

Merced County authorities are requesting the public’s help in finding family members or relatives of a 55-year-old man who died in a recent crash.

The Sheriff’s Office said that Coroner’s Office staff have searched personal records of Jin Long, also known as Xuelong Xu, and have been unsuccessful in locating his relatives.

According to Deputy Daryl Allen, Long died of injuries from a vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near Gustine on Nov. 4. Allen said the crash was investigated by the California Highway Patrol.

According to Allen, the Coroner’s Office has exhausted its efforts in attempting to identify Long’s family, including contacting his last known address in Washington state.

Locating immediate family members is necessary for the coroner’s office to release the body and allow Long to have a proper burial, authorities said.

Anyone with information about Long is asked to contact the Coroner’s Office at 209-385-7369. Tips are kept confidential and you can remain anonymous.