Body Of Missing Union Beach Teen Found In Virginia National Park

UNION BEACH, NJ - A body believed to be that of a missing Union Beach teen was found at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia on Monday, authorities said.

Ty Sauer, 18, a Keyport High School student, was last seen on April 22 on Skyline Drive near mile marker 35, just 2.5 miles from where the remains were found. Searchers discovered the body at 2:55 p.m. on Monday, according to a statement from the National Park Service.

It was not immediately clear why Sauer was at the park or if he was traveling with other individuals, although a news release from the park said that Sauer was wearing a blue hoodie, blue Christmas pajama bottoms, and white sneakers when he left his home. A Sunday update noted that Sauer may also be wearing yellow hospital booties with non-slip threads.

The search for the missing teen, which was led by park personnel with aid from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, over 15 search and rescue operations, five dog teams and helicopter fly-over teams from the U.S. Park Service, was suspended after the body was found.

Volunteer search teams of over 60 individuals focused on six trails thought to be "high probability areas" based on "clues and lost person behavior analysis," according to a Monday Facebook post from the national park.

The cause of death is currently unknown. The body was transported to a medical examiner’s office for identification and cause of death investigation, the statement read.

A GoFundMe has been created to raise money for Sauer's funeral expenses. According to the page, Sauer was in "a medical crisis" while at the national park, with rangers discovering his clothes, shoes and phone about four miles into the park.

Superintendent of Keyport Public Schools Dr. Lisa Savoia issued a statement Monday extending her condolences to the Sauer family.

"We are all in shock and to help us grieve, we will have counselors available to our students and staff. In fact, this evening's Google Meet is in progress and will remain open until 9:30 p.m.," Savoia wrote. "The Traumatic Loss Coalition is a community partner and will work collaboratively with us as the school community copes with grief."

In-person and virtual counseling will be offered throughout Keyport High School, with links to be provided starting Tuesday. Counseling services are also available to students at Keyport Central School.

"This is a difficult time for all and it is important to keep the lines of communication open," Savoia wrote.