Death of Man Found in Hackensack River Ruled a Homicide

The preliminary findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office have ruled the death of a man found in the Hackensack River on Saturday, December 9, 2023, a Homicide. An autopsy performed on Sunday, December 10, 2023, determined the male victim died of gunshot wounds to the upper body.

At approximately 12:45 p.m., the Secaucus Police Department was notified of a possible body in the Hackensack River near the Eastern Spur of the New Jersey Turnpike. The body of a male was recovered with the assistance of the Lyndhurst and Mahwah Fire Department Underwater Recovery Units and the Secaucus, Kearny, and Wallington Fire Departments. The male was pronounced dead shortly after 5:30 p.m.

The individual has not yet been identified. The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit is actively working with law enforcement agencies statewide to identify the individual. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.