Missing Hopatcong Man Found Dead In Virginia: Sheriff

HOPATCONG, NJ — A man missing from Hopatcong has been found dead in Virginia, the Page County Sheriff's Office said on Tuesday.

Edward Piccola, 36, was found dead on Sunday near a campsite in neighboring Clark County, Virginia, the Sheriff's Office said. He was last seen in Sparta on May 30. He was spotted buying a kayak, life vest, and other camping gear in Virginia the next day.

His empty car had been found near a boat landing on June 3. According to local media outlets, there were heavy rains that weekend that cause flooding in the river. The search for Piccola was suspended several days later in the face of more severe weather.

A cause of death was not released.

"We are so thankful for all of the love and support we have received in the last 20 days. I wish the outcome had been different. I know Ed was loved by so many and that will bring my family and I something to hold onto in the difficult time," Piccola's sister, Holly, posted in Facebook. She said a memorial would be planned at some point.

Piccola is predeceased by his mother, Gail, and older brother, Jerry.

A fundraiser, originally set up for search costs, is collecting money for a memorial service. You can donate here.

Image via Page County Sheriff's office. GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.