BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Bakersfield filmmaker Nathaniel Berg, director of a warmly-received documentary on the Bakersfield Sound, has been confirmed dead by the coroner’s office.
Berg, 52, was found down on a sidewalk early Friday at M and 19th streets and pronounced dead at the scene, according to coroner’s officials. An autopsy will be performed to determine cause and manner of death.
Jon Coley, a friend of Berg, told 17 News Berg walked to the Downtown Market on 19th and M streets on Thursday night to buy an orange juice.
Coley later reported his friend as missing . Hours later, he said, police told him he would need to contact the coroner’s office for more information.
On Jan. 14, Berg celebrated the premiere of his film “Highway 58 Pt. 2” at the Fox Theater.
Last year, 17 News’ Robert Price interviewed Berg ahead of the premiere of part one, titled simply “Highway 58,” which focuses on the impact the Bakersfield Sound had on the city from which it originated.
Among those featured were Jennifer Keel, Chuck Seaton, Artie Niesen and the late Tommy Hays.