Toms River Man Found Dead In Pool Under Pool Cover: Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River man who had been missing for three days was found dead in a swimming pool underneath the pool cover on Thursday, Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little confirmed on Friday.

Erik J. Bierach, 45, had been reported missing by his brother on Monday, Little confirmed by email.

Toms River Police Officer Michael Foy responded to the call Thursday night, said Jillian Messina, a spokesperson for the police department.

Bierach was found floating in the in-ground pool at the home; the pool was closed, she said.

Bierach had extensive mental health history and was reported missing by his brother on July 16, she said.

There was no indication of foul play; an autopsy will be conducted to determine his cause of death, Messina said.

Toms River Detective Andrew Chencharik and detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating.

Anyone who may have seen or interacted with Mr. Bierach between July 16 and July 19 is asked to contact Chencharik at 732-349-1050, ext. 1338, or achencharik @trpolice.org.

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com

Image via Shutterstock