Elliot Ganiel Missing: Search Continues in New Jersey Forest

Search Continues in New Jersey Forest for Missing Man

Teams are still actively searching a forest in New Jersey for a man who was reported missing over the weekend. The search efforts have involved divers scouring a brackish river and drones combing the woods from above.

The missing man has been identified as Elliot Ganiel, a 32-year-old resident of Northfield in Atlantic County. Ganiel was last seen on Saturday night and has not been in contact with anyone since, according to Northfield police Capt. Stephen Steinecke.

Ganiel’s vehicle was discovered by state troopers at a canoe launch along the Mullica River off Nesco Road, near Batsto Village in the Wharton State Forest. His disappearance was reported late on Saturday evening.

The Mullica River serves as a boundary between Atlantic and Burlington counties, spanning across the region.

Some of Ganiel’s personal items were found inside his parked vehicle, although authorities have not disclosed any potential reasons for his presence in that area by the river.

Search efforts on Monday involved New Jersey State Park police, State Troopers, and officers from Northfield in Atlantic County, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The search has since been expanded to include emergency management officials from Atlantic County, the sheriff’s office, as well as additional local law enforcement and firefighters, according to Steinecke.

State Park police were alerted to Ganiel’s disappearance on Sunday.

Described as 5 feet 4 inches tall with brown eyes and hair, Ganiel remains missing at this time.

Anyone with information on Ganiel’s whereabouts is urged to contact Northfield police at 609-641-3122 or provide tips to the NJDEP tipline at 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337).