On Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 12:49 am, Turlock Police responded to a missing person at a residence in the 2500 block of Emerald Way.
The caller was reporting Gabriel Ontiveros, 60, of Turlock, missing. Local hospitals and jails were checked; however, Ontiveros wasn’t at any of them. Officer Ayala took a report and entered Ontiveros into the Missing and Unidentified Persons Section.
Later that same day, Ontiveros was located deceased by the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. As of Thursday afternoon, the sheriff’s office reports that Ontiveros’ manner of death is currently listed as “pending toxicology,” but they will release additional information once it becomes available.
At the time of his passing, Ontiveros was the principal at eCademy Charter, having served with the Turlock Unified School District for over 28 years. In addition to eCademy Charter, Ontiveros had also served at Turlock High School, Osborn Two-Way Immersion Academy, and Dutcher Middle School.
“Undoubtedly, Gabe’s investment of his life as an educator and educational leader in Turlock touched the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues,” said TUSD Board of Trustees Clerk Lori Carlson. “He was a teacher, administrator, mentor, and coach who had an unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and families of TUSD. We are so grateful for the lasting impact Mr. Ontiveros made in TUSD, and on behalf of the Board, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Please join me in a moment of silence to honor Gabe Ontiveros.”
