A body was found in a New Jersey state park just days before the holidays.
On Sunday, Dec. 22, a body was discovered in an abandoned refrigerator in Belleplain State Forest in northern Cape May County, NJ. State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron released information stating that the body was found by troopers shortly before 3 p.m. inside the forest in Dennis Township.
“NJSP are actively investigating a body that was found out in the woods in Belleplain,” Dennis Township Mayor Zeth Matalucci shared in a statement on the official Dennis Township Facebook page. “There’s no threat to the public, and more information will be provided once it’s received,” he continued.
According to its official website, Belleplain State Forest was “established in 1928 for public recreation” and “consists of almost 23,000 acres,” including over a dozen trails for walking/hiking and biking and several campsites. Boating, swimming and fishing are also permitted in the nearby lakes and ponds.
No further details have been shared regarding identification of the body or speculation as to what occurred, as the investigation is ongoing. PEOPLE has reached out to Cape May County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Park Police and Matalucci for comment.
It’s the second body found in eastern New Jersey in as many weeks.
Two weeks ago, a body matching the description of a retired teacher was found in the Galloway Township of New Jersey. Alan Levin, 84, was reported missing by his family on Dec. 7. Remains were discovered two days later along the bank of Nacote Creek, a waterway that leads to the Mullica River about 10 miles north of Atlantic City.
“After an extensive search of the area, a drone team from the Atlantic City Police and Fire Departments located a body matching the description of Mr. Levin deceased along the bank, approximately 3/10 of a mile east of the Port Republic Bridge,” authorities said in a post on Facebook at the time.
Levin’s disappearance remains under investigation by the Galloway Township Police Department and the New Jersey State Police.
