Father shot dead next to daughters on California camping trip; police hunt for suspect

Police say a scientist was shot dead on Friday in front of his two young daughters while on a camping trip in Calabasas, Calif.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department say 35-year-old Tristan Beaudette was shot dead while camping with his two young daughters, aged two and four.

The incident occurred at Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas, California, about 50 kilometres northwest of Los Angeles.

Police say someone shot the scientist inside the tent in front of his daughters early Friday morning.

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Beaudette, who worked for a pharmaceutical company, was found bleeding inside his tent. His daughters were not hurt.

“We’re closing the campground through Thursday, June 28th out of abundance of caution for public safety,” California State Parks official Tony Hoffman said. “We care about our visitors and their safety is the most important thing.”

WATCH: State park closed as California police investigate murder of father camping with daughters

0:31 State park closed as California police investigate murder of father camping with daughters

Family members say Beaudette had taken his daughters on a camping trip while his wife, also a PhD, studied for her board exams.

“Tristan was out doing something he adored in life, being in the outdoors with his two young girls,” a statement read posted on a GoFundMe page created for the family. “His wife Erica was preparing to take an exam the next morning.”

According to a GoFundMe set up for the family, the two were planning to relocate to the Bay Area for new jobs.

“Not a second goes by that we aren’t grappling with the senselessness of this crime,” the statement added.

Police are investigating the shooting as a homicide.

No arrests have been made, nor is there a suspect or a motive.

— With files from Global News