Father Shot Dead in Front of His 2 Young Daughters During Camping Trip

Authorities are on the hunt for the killer of a father-of-two, who was fatally shot while camping with his young daughters in Southern California.

Tristan Beaudette, 35, of Irvine, died after he was shot in the chest early Friday morning in Malibu State Park in Calabasas, authorities said.

Beaudette was taking his daughters, 2 and 4, on a short trip so his wife, Erica Wu, could have a quiet night at home to study for exams, reports said.

He was reportedly found bleeding in his tent, and pronounced dead at the scene.

“The theory we are working with is he was shot inside the tent,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Department's Lt. Rodney Moore told the Los Angeles Times. "The children were inside the tent too."

His daughters were not injured.

The case has been deemed a homicide, but cops have not identified a suspect or determined a motive, authorities said.

“Words cannot express the absolute devastation and sorrow we feel from the loss of someone so dear to our family,” Beaudette’s family wrote on Facebook. “We are all so fortunate to have known you for your short time on Earth. You were taken from us far too early, doing something you loved with the girls you adored. You will be so dearly missed."

Beaudette was a scientist who worked for a pharmaceutical company, and enjoyed spending time in nature, including hiking, biking and camping with his family.

His wife Erica, a doctor, was his high school sweetheart, and after her big exam, the pair was planning to take time off for their family before moving to San Francisco.

His family is urging people with more information on the shooting to get in contact with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at 323-890-5500.

To support his family, visit their GoFundMe page.

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