A New Jersey couple that was missing was recently found dead in a densely wooded area near their home.
The Stafford Township Police Department revealed on Tuesday that the bodies of Gary and Lorraine Parker had been discovered that afternoon in a remote area of the Pine Barrens in the Warren Grove woods.
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“Our department sends its condolences to the Parker’s family and friends,” police said in a statement.
“We would also like to thank all of the assisting agencies, especially the Ocean County Prosector’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, New Jersey State Police, and the Warren Grove Fire Company,” the statement continued in part.
Stafford police Capt. James Vaughn shared how the couple was discovered lying together about 200 or so feet from an ATV that they are believed to have driven into the woods. This was around 600 feet away from their home.
“The only way we were able to find them was by using a drone,” Vaughn revealed to the Asbury Park Press, describing the area where they were found as “the thickest part of the Pine Barrens you’re going to find.”
“Without the use of a drone, it was nearly impossible. You could have walked by them and not seen them unless you were directly looking,” he added.
The cause of death is currently unknown and police say they do not believe foul play was involved.
Gary, 67, and Lorraine, 60, were last seen on Nov. 17 but a neighbor reported speaking with them on Nov. 21, per the local NBC station WCAU.
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Their daughter reported them missing on Nov. 22.
“It’s unusual that people would just disappear like that,” neighbor Bill Bennett told the outlet. “This area is not that large of an area to get lost.”
After their daughter reported them missing, a search began for the couple on Nov. 23. Over 100 volunteers, police officers and firefighters joined in the search, which was then turned over to Stafford detectives and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office on Nov. 24.
Before police found their bodies, an ATV was found with a shotgun belonging to Gary inside. A cane belonging to Lorraine, who had mobility issues, was also found at their home.
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