Skeleton Found During Controlled Burn In Jackson: Prosecutor

JACKSON, NJ — A fire warden assisting with the state's controlled burning efforts found a human skeleton in the woods off South Stump Tavern Road on Monday, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday.

The skeleton was found in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the prosecutor's office.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has been conducting controlled burns throughout the area in the last two weeks to knock down brush and leaves that would otherwise have the potential to fuel a forest fire. The warden came upon the skeleton about 2 p.m., Della Fave said.

"At this time, there is nothing to indicate that the finding presents any danger to area residents," Della Fave said. Positive identification has not been made at this time.

He said the Ocean County Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to determine the identity, as well as the cause and manner of death. More information will be released as it becomes available.

The Jackson Township Police Department, the Major Crimes Unit of the prosecutor's office, the Ocean County Sheriff's Department CSI, and New Jersey State Police are investigating, he said.

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