The family of a man who was shot dead on a camping trip in California with his two young daughters have spoken out about his tragic death.

Tristan Beaudette, 35, died after suffering a gunshot wound to his upper torso at a campsite in Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas on Friday morning.

Mr Beaudette's family have released a statement saying they are "heartbroken" about his death and their grief is "indescribable".

"We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved friend, husband, and father, Tristan Beaudette, whose life was tragically cut short by a senseless act of gun violence while on a camping trip with his two young daughters," the statement read.

"The grief and trauma this loss has caused our close-knit family is indescribable. Tristan was universally admired by his friends and family. A scientist who loved cooking and micro-brews.

"Tristan was happiest out in nature, and spent every chance he could hiking, biking, snowboarding and camping with his family. Married to his high school sweetheart, Tristan was a supportive and generous husband, a full partner in every sense of the word."

Mr Beaudette, from Irvine in Orange County, has been identified as a scientist who worked for a pharmaceutical company.