STAFFORD – After almost a full month of uncertainty and anguished waiting, the search for a 19-year-old man reported missing near the Manahawkin Bridge has come to a tragic end.
Stafford Township police confirmed that the teen’s body was recovered Wednesday evening, December 17, from the waters near the bridge, bringing closure to a case that had gripped the Southern Ocean County community since late November.
The young man was reported missing on November 25 following an incident on the Manahawkin Bay Bridge, which spans the Intracoastal Waterway between Stafford Township and Long Beach Island. From the outset, the disappearance prompted a large-scale response involving multiple law enforcement and emergency agencies, as previously reported.
Despite extensive surface searches, patrols, and repeated sweeps of the surrounding waterways, weeks passed with no definitive answers.
On Wednesday night, that changed.
According to Stafford Township police, the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau located the individual using sonar equipment during a targeted search operation. The West Tuckerton Fire Department Dive Team was then deployed and recovered the body approximately 200 meters north of the bridge.
The teen was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where an autopsy will be conducted. Authorities said the incident remains under investigation and no additional details are being released at this time. Family members have been notified.
A Community Waiting for Answers
From the moment the teen was reported missing, the incident cast a heavy emotional shadow over the region. The Manahawkin Bridge is a critical artery connecting mainland communities with Long Beach Island, and its role in past emergency responses has made it a focal point during moments of crisis.
Residents followed the case closely, sharing information and offering prayers while search crews continued their work in challenging conditions. As the days stretched on, hope and fear coexisted in equal measure. Stafford Township police acknowledged the toll the search took on both responders and loved ones. “The professionalism, dedication, and cooperation of all agencies involved were instrumental throughout this operation,” the department said in a statement, thanking the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau, West Tuckerton Fire Department Dive Team, Stafford Township Fire and EMS, and other regional emergency response partners.
The department also extended its deepest condolences to the young man’s family and friends.
A Dangerous Time of Year
Mental health professionals consistently warn that the holiday season can be an especially dangerous time for individuals struggling with depression, isolation, or emotional distress. While often portrayed as a period of joy and togetherness, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years can intensify feelings of loneliness, loss, and pressure.
According to national data, suicide risk can increase during the holidays, particularly among young people and those facing untreated mental health challenges. Shorter days, disrupted routines, financial stress, and strained relationships all contribute to heightened vulnerability.
Local advocates emphasize that tragedies like this serve as a sobering reminder that help is needed year-round, and that warning signs are not always visible.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, confidential support is available 24 hours a day. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org.
No one has to face crisis alone.
