A homicide investigation was launched Tuesday after San Mateo County sheriff's deputies were alerted to a body found near state Highway 35 in Woodside and later identified as an East Palo Alto man, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office said.

The office was notified about 5 p.m. Tuesday of a possible body just off Highway 35, better known as Skyline Boulevard, and Quail Court in an elevated and somewhat isolated area near Burleigh Murray Ranch State Park.

Medics determined that the man had been dead "for quite some time," said Detective Rosemerry Blankswade. "Due to the specific nature of how he was found, our investigators are treating it like a homicide."

The victim has been identified as Eddy Cervantes, 40, of East Palo Alto, Blankswade said Wednesday afternoon.

Skyline Boulevard was closed between Quail Court and state Highway 92 until about 3 p.m. Wednesday, officials said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 650-599-1536. Detectives are looking to speak with anyone who was with Cervantes or knew of his whereabouts before his death; anyone who saw suspicious activity or behavior on Skyline; and anyone who might have trail or surveillance camera footage.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.