Authorities have identified 48-year-old Kevin McGuigan of Simi Valley as the man who died in an apparent suicide Thursday afternoon at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum.
According to the Simi Valley Police Department, officers were dispatched at 12:59 p.m. after a passerby reported a deceased individual inside a vehicle parked along the driveway near the first roundabout on Presidential Drive. The caller indicated there was a firearm inside the car.
Cmdr. Bryan Samples said officers secured the area upon arrival and began their investigation. At approximately 1:25 p.m., police issued a traffic advisory for the 40 block of Presidential Drive, urging residents and visitors to avoid the area while authorities processed the scene.
Investigators believe McGuigan died by suicide. Sgt. Rick Morton, department spokesperson, confirmed no note was found inside the vehicle. Additional details surrounding the circumstances of his death have not been released.
The library remained open to guests who were already on-site at the time of the incident. Melissa Giller, spokesperson for the library, said between 400 and 500 visitors had been on campus throughout the day. Those leaving the grounds were directed through an alternate route as police restricted access to the main driveway. By 4:27 p.m., authorities announced the area had reopened to traffic.
News of McGuigan’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from members of the Simi Valley community. Friends and acquaintances described him as a familiar presence in the area, offering condolences and expressing heartbreak over the loss. Messages shared online reflected sorrow for his family and loved ones, with many urging compassion and awareness around mental health struggles.
As the community mourns, tributes continue to highlight the importance of checking in on friends, neighbors, and family members who may be facing unseen challenges. Those who knew McGuigan are remembering him in their own ways, honoring his life while grappling with the suddenness of his passing.
If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential support is available 24 hours a day in the United States by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
