Missing Man Found Dead At Sourland Mountain Preserve

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A missing hiker from Maine was found dead at the Sourland Mountain Preserve Thursday morning following an extensive search of the area, said Hillsborough Police.

On Tuesday at 1:43 p.m., an abandoned vehicle at the Sourland Mountain Preserve was reported. A license plate inquiry revealed the registered owner was Parker Veitch, 34, who is a resident of Lovell, Maine, said Hillsborough Police Cpl. Christopher Engelhardt.

Veitch was reported missing and emotionally distraught by his family on Monday, April 18 to the Oxford County Sheriff's Office (Maine), said Engelhardt.

An extensive search of the area began with numerous agencies helping including search teams, K-9s and an NJ State Police helicopter.

Parker, who is an avid hiker, was found dead Thursday morning in the heavily wooded Preserve, said Engelhardt.

It is unknown why he traveled to Hillsborough.

The NJ State Medical Examiner responded and although this incident remains under investigation, his death is not deemed to be suspicious, said Engelhardt.

Chief Mike McMahon said there was never any threat to the public, however, the Sourland Mountain Preserve remained closed while a search was conducted.

Responding agencies: Hillsborough Township Police Department, Hillsborough Township Office of Emergency Management, Robert Wood Johnson BLS, Somerset County Sheriff's Department, Somerset County Park Rangers, New Jersey State Police, Somerset County Office of Emergency Management, Somerset County Prosecutors Office, New Jersey Department of Corrections, Search and Rescue Council of New Jersey, Camden County Search and Rescue and Maywood Police Department.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.