Teen Found Dead Near Bayonne Waterfront Identified As Missing Montclair University Student

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — A young woman who was found dead in the Newark Bay along the Bayonne waterfront this month has been identified as a missing freshman at Montclair University, according to officials and reports.

The parents of Hayley Erin "Lee" Avestruz Alvarado, 18, began a search for their daughter in December after she left her Jersey City home late at night, according to records and their Facebook posts.

A spokesperson for the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said Tuesday that the person found dead along the Bayonne waterfront on March 5 was an 18-year-old woman. "Foul play is not suspected at this time," she said.

While the spokesperson did not name Alvarado, other sources, including a Filipino news outlet, identified her, noting that her funeral would be held today (March 19).

Alvarado's mother and TikTok influencers tried to get the word out after she went missing, with her mother posting heartfelt messages to her on social media. (If you have reported someone missing, you can let Patch know in order to get the word out further. Contact us here.)

'I Pray That You Are Safe...'

"My dearest daughter Hayley Alvarado," wrote her mother on social media on New Year's Day, "I hope this message reaches you wherever you may be. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss you deeply.

"I pray that you are safe and well and will return to us soon. You are always in my heart, my sweet 'Lee.' Please know that you are loved unconditionally by us.

"We will never give up searching for you and always pray for your safe return home. If you can read this message, please come home. We long to hear your voice and to see your face. You are missed dearly more than words can express."

On Valentine's Day, she wrote, "It's Valentine's Day. My heart is heavy with worry, anguish & sadness that you're still missing. It has been 60 long days since we last saw you, & every day without you feels like an eternity. I miss you more than words can express. I want you to know that I think of you constantly...I know that life can be challenging & that the world's weight is sometimes on your shoulders. But please understand that you're not alone."

'Soul Far Wiser Than Her Years'

BelovED Charter School in Jersey City posted about Alvarado last week, "Her brilliance, compassionate nature, and dedication to advocacy left a lasting impression on all who knew her."

According to her obituary, "Despite her young age, Hayley was a remarkable individual with a soul far wiser than her years would suggest. Her dedication to her studies at Montclair State University, where she was a freshman studying for a BA in Linguistics, exhibited her passion for learning and understanding the world around her. She was a wide reader, an eloquent speaker, and a good leader.

"Beyond academics, her vibrant spirit shone brightly through her love to give hugs and small stuff or gifts to her family and friends. She loves singing, violet color, colognes, food-'sisig,' animes, and video games."

The obituary noted, "In remembrance of Hayley's extraordinary journey through life, her brother Harley poignantly stated, 'It is said that a person dies twice: once physically and once when they are forgotten. Hopefully, that second death will come long after we pass on.' "

See her obituary here.

If you have reported a family member missing, you can let Patch know in order to get the word out further. Contact us here.