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The Palisades Interstate Parkway Police were alerted around 5 p.m. by Edgewater police after a cell phone ping traced the young man’s location to the scenic lookout point in Englewood Cliffs, PIP Police Lt. Raymond E. Walter said in a release.
Walter added that concerned family members, who had last seen him that morning, revealed he had a history of depression and had previously made suicidal statements.
Upon arrival, officers found the man’s 2021 Subaru parked at the lookout. Despite initial searches yielding no sign of him, a coordinated effort involving the Port Authority Police Emergency Service Unit, the East Bergen Rappel Team, and a Bergen County Office of Emergency Management drone was deployed to assist in the search.
Tragically, the 19-year-old man was found dead at the cliff’s base after a thorough sweep of the area.
The five-hour recovery effort culminated at approximately 1 a.m., firefighters said.
Fort Lee firefighters shared photos of the rescue.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 for support 24/7.
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