Pepperdine University Athletic Chaplain Maurice Hilliard found dead on Malibu beach

Authorities in southern California have confirmed the body found on a Malibu beach early Monday morning as that of Pepperdine University Athletic Chaplain and program director Maurice Hilliard.

Hilliard’s body was found around 9:00 a.m. near the 2600 block of Pacific Coast Highway near Corral Canyon.

It is believed that Hilliard, who was known to walk on the beach every morning, died of natural causes; however, an autopsy is scheduled.

Hilliard worked 10 years as a basketball coach at Pepperdine before becoming the program director at the Boone Center for the Family.