Missing Ecuadorian Ambassador Found Dead In New Jersey

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A longtime Ecuadorian diplomat who lived in New Jersey was found dead after a weeks-long search, authorities recently confirmed.

Edmundo Alfonso Morales Suárez, 66, of Roseland, was reported missing on Nov. 1, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.

Newark police previously released a missing person advisory in connection with his disappearance:

“[Morales Suárez], who is connected with the Ecuadorian Embassy, was reported missing at 11:15 p.m. and reportedly made suicidal threats to his family before he went missing. Mr. Morales’ phone was tracked to Mulberry Street and Edison Place in Newark, where his car was located with his wallet and phone inside.”

On Nov. 22, the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the missing man was found dead in New Jersey, Univision reported.

Morales Suárez served as Ecuador's consul general in New Jersey and Pennsylvania from 2019 to July 2024. He requested his retirement in August.

U.S. Sen. George Helmy of New Jersey expressed condolences to the deceased diplomat’s family.

“His sudden passing has left a tremendous sense of loss in our Ecuadorian communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where he served diligently with the Ecuadorian General Consulate since 2019,” the senator wrote.

Helmy continued:

“[Morales Suárez’s] distinguished decades-long career in the diplomatic core and academia, and commitment to strengthening U.S.-Ecuadorian relations have undoubtedly left an enduring legacy upon those he served and his countrymen. Although I have not had the privilege to have worked with the late ambassador in my time in office, he was lovingly remembered by family and colleagues as a respectful, kind-hearted, and intelligent public servant and friend. He served thousands of our New Jersey constituents during his diplomatic mission.”

“His memory will be in our prayers,” Helmy concluded.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.