Authorities have identified a body found on Monday off a trail near Laurel Canyon Park as that of fashion designer Drew Bernstein. The death is being investigated as a suicide.

Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office spokesman Ed Winter said the body was discovered by a hiker at approximately 8:30 a.m. on a trail near the 8300 block of Mulholland Drive, in the hills above West Hollywood. The hiker notified authorities, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 9 a.m. by personnel from the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Bernstein, 51, of Los Angeles, apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. An autopsy was pending as of Wednesday morning, Winter said.

The decedent, who according to media reports was known as “Lippy,” founded the Lip Service and Kill City clothing lines, which produce apparel popular among gothic and punk rock music fans. A posting on Lip Service’s Facebook page confirmed the death, and some associates and fans of Bernstein’s clothing offered condolences.

“Sad news. Drew was awesome. Always a pleasure to see him. My condolences to his many, many close friends and family. Rest in peace, Drew,” John Murray wrote on the clothing line’s Facebook page.

“A tenacious and forward thinker, Drew showed us what we could do if we just do it and not worry about what others thought about it. I did freelance work for him and didn’t realize we graduated from the same high school/year until now. What a sad moment that he felt he couldn’t go on anymore. We will miss his presence and his vision. Godspeed, Drew,” Bernstein’s associate Dan Smith added.

A message on the Facebook page for the Kill City clothing line stated that the apparel company’s flagship clothing store was formerly located at 7266 Melrose Ave., but has now closed.