SAN DIEGO — A body was found in Mission Beach Wednesday morning, the San Diego Police Department confirmed to FOX 5.

Authorities say a call came in at 6:19 a.m. reporting a possibly deceased individual on 900 West Mission Bay Drive, which is in the area of Bonita Cove Park.

Upon arrival, first responders found a man with multiple facial and upper body injuries, Lt. Steve Shebloski said in a news release.

Paramedics attempted life-saving measures on the man, but he was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.

SDPD Homicide detectives were called in to investigate the incident and the circumstances that led to it.

During their initial investigation, detectives learned that there was a reported physical confrontation involving a group of men and women in their late teens or early 20s before the body was discovered, Shebloski said.

“Due to injuries on the body, it appears the man was a victim of some type of confrontation or beating, or blunt force trauma. At this point, all we know is there appears to be some type of confrontation that occurred somewhere in the overnight hours to the morning when he was found involving our victim and maybe a group of white males and white females in their early 20s,” Shebloski said. “It’s a very vague description but it’s very early in the investigation.

The victim appeared to have been beaten and stabbed during the altercation, according to police. He has not yet been identified and he is believed to be a transient man in his late 40s to early 50s.

“We’re asking for at this point, it was the Fourth of July weekend and a lot of people were out here on the beach, if anybody saw anything or anybody knows anything about this particular incident to please call Crime Stoppers (888-570-8477) or San Diego Police Department’s Homicide Unit (619-531-2293)” Shebloski continued.

One witness, who did not want to go on camera, said he was close enough to hear what happened. He said he heard arguing, some curse words thrown around and then what sounded like repetitive beating. With the crowds for the Fourth of July and visitors likely headed back home, police are asking for potential witnesses to come forward. 

“That large volume of people makes it more challenging, sometimes more trash and debris we have to work through. I’m also more hopeful that some witness might be able to come forward to provide us with some information that will assist with this investigation,” Shebloski said.  

Parts of Bonita Cove Park, including the parking lot, were expected to be closed for the majority of the day as an investigation continues.

Detectives are searching the scene for physical evidence, possible surveillance footage and potential witnesses in an attempt to get more information on the suspects.

FOX 5’s Elizabeth Alvarez, Sir Milo Loftin and Alani Letang contributed to this report.