🚨 SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION IN MONTVILLE ENDS WITH ONE PERSON RESCUED, ONE DECEASED 🚔
Authorities found two missing hikers at Pyramid Mountain following a massive search in Montville. Rescue teams located 77-year-old John Higgins alive and transported him to a hospital, but 87-year-old Virginia Taetzch was found dead at the scene.
📍 MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP, NJ — A multi-agency search and rescue operation in the Pyramid Mountain area ended tragically Tuesday after authorities located two elderly hikers who had been reported missing.
According to the Montville Township Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office discovered an unattended vehicle in the Pyramid Mountain parking lot at approximately 10:14 PM Monday, August 31.
Authorities searched the surrounding area for the vehicle’s occupants but were initially unable to locate anyone. The search was suspended around 4:00 AM Tuesday due to weather conditions, and a missing-person investigation was launched.
Investigators determined that John Higgins, 77, of Pompton Plains, and Virginia Taetzch, 87, of Pompton Plains, had gone hiking in Pyramid Mountain at approximately 1:00 PM Sunday, August 30.
A larger search operation resumed at approximately 9:00 AM Tuesday, involving more than 30 officers and emergency personnel from multiple agencies.
At approximately 11:40 AM, search teams located Higgins alive. Officers were able to safely remove him from the park, and he was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The search continued for Taetzch, who was subsequently located by search personnel. Authorities said she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
🚔 Agencies involved in the operation included: • Montville Township Police Department • Morris County Sheriff’s Office • Morris County Prosecutor’s Office • Boonton Police Department • Boonton Township Police Department • Lincoln Park Police Department • Kinnelon Police Department • Montville Fire Department • Par-Troy EMS • St. Clare’s MICU
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon credited the coordinated multi-agency response with saving Higgins’ life while expressing condolences to Taetzch’s family.
Montville Township Police Chief Andrew Caggiano also praised the determination and coordination of the officers involved, noting that their efforts ultimately led to Higgins being located alive.
❤️ Garden State News Network extends our condolences to the family and loved ones of Virginia Taetzch and wishes John Higgins a full recovery.