Young, Decorated And Beloved N.J. Marine From Egg Harbor Township Found Dead

Pfc. Tyler Wechsler just joined the Marines last year, and he already accomplished so much. His awards included the National Defense Service Medal. He earned the respect and the honor of his fellow servicemen and women who respected him "deeply."

He graduated from a New Jersey high school in 2013 and was part of the Cape Atlantic League championship lacrosse team in 2012.

Then he went to Hawaii and went hiking on a trail that's notorious for accidents. This was one thing Wechsler couldn't overcome.

The body of the beloved Marine from Egg Harbor Township was found this week, 11 days after he went missing, according to the Department of Defense.

Wechsler, who had been missing since Friday, April 7, was discovered on the Kaau Crater Trail in Hawaii on Tuesday, authorities say. Authorities also recovered his Jeep Liberty nearby.

According to USMC Life: "Early media reports indicated the Marine may have been distraught" and "civilians are asking why no one did more searching in the area where his car was parked."

His death is not considered suspicious. The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating the cause of death.

Wechsler graduated from Egg Harbor Township High School in 2013, according to Stars and Stripes. A GoFundMe.com page was established to cover his funeral expenses.

Wechsler, who was found Tuesday near a rugged hiking trail on Oahu, was stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Kaau Crater Loop Trail is a demanding hiking route that features narrow ridges, steep climbs and several waterfalls, according to Stars and Stripes.

Kaau Crater Loop Trail is not maintained by a municipality, and hikers are routinely hurt, according to Stars and Stripes. In 2013, three people were injured, one fatally, in three separate falls within a matter of weeks.

Last year, a University of Hawaii student was badly injured in a 50-foot fall, according to Stars and Stripes.

Wechsler belonged to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group 24, as well as the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

“Private First Class Wechsler was a valued member of our squadron, and his loss is deeply felt,” Lt. Col. Frank Makoski, HMLA-367 commander, said in a III Marine Expeditionary Force statement. “Our hearts are with his family and friends.”

The GoFundMe page says he may have been seen on April 9 near the International Market Place in the Hawaii capital.

We'll have more information when it becomes available.

Friends posted these words on the GoFundMe page after he was found:

"Thank you to everyone who went the extra mile to help bring Tyler home. The Wechsler family appreciates it more than you will ever know. Unfortunately, Tyler was found earlier today and is in a better place now."

"Our condolences are with his Mom Sandy, his Dad Paul, his Brother Zach, his Uncle Sean, and the rest of his family and friends. Our hearts are heavy with this news, and we'll continue to support the Wechsler family during this impossible time."

GoFundMe page also noted that Wechsler's dad and uncle are currently in Hawaii "doing everything they can to bring Tyler home, and with that will bring significant costs."

"He is so loved and missed by his family and friends. This is one thing they shouldn't have to worry about. Anything will help and is greatly appreciated!"

Photo: GoFundMe