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Jayden Yerges was reported missing around 5 p.m. July 16, but his family had not seen him since just before 1 a.m. in the 700 block of Main Street Lykens Borough, according to police.
Yerges was found dead in a wooded area in Lykens Borough bordering Wiconisco Township on July 17, according to state police.
During the search, his family reached out for support on social media. His mom, Victoria Yerges explained that he had been “dealing with severe depression and took off last night while at his dad's.” In a later edit she went on to say, “He was not in trouble, when I say he is dealing with depression that does not mean anything happened, people suffer from depression for unknown reasons. So please don't think this is just a stubborn runaway kid and he will come back. This is not my Jayd man.”
"Jayd man," was the nickname that "he was affectionately called by his family," as stated in his obituary.
His exact cause of death has not been released, but foul play is not suspected and police do not believe the public is at risk.
An investigation is ongoing.
His family's community continues to support them, and reach out on social media.
Yerges was a New Year's Day baby, born in 2008 in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, according to his obituary.
He was preparing for his freshman year n the fall at Upper Dauphin Area High School and previously played on the Lykens Tigers football team, as detailed in his obituary.
Although he was a typical teenager who enjoyed playing games and watching videos on his phone, "he had a great passion for the outdoors, enjoyed all kinds of hunting, especially archery, fishing, riding scooter with his brothers or just hanging out with family and friends," as written in his obituary.
His love for his dog, Chevy, was second to none. He was his constant companion.
He is survived by his parents Seth Yerges, Sr., Lykens and Victoria Moyer Yerges, Elizabethville; two brothers, Cameron Keys and Seth Yerges, Jr.; a sister, Aja Yerges; his grandparents, Dawn Wolfe, Desiree and Dal Herner; great grandparents Ken and Alice Carl, David Sr. and Georgina Moyer; great-great grandmother, Helen Heintzleman; additional extended family, and friends—and "his constant companion" his beloved dog Chevy, according to his obituary.
His family shares the touching sentiment:
"Over the last several months he battled with depression. In Jayden's memory always show kindness and compassion to those struggling with this terrible disease."
A Celebration of Jayden's life will be officiated by Pastor Annette Shutt at the Chapel of the Dimon Funeral Home, Inc., Tower City, on Friday, July 22, 2022 with the visitation portion of the evening starting at 6 p.m., according to the obituary.
Donations to help cover the funeral expenses can be made in Jayden's name to Dimon Funeral Home, 644 E. Grand Avenue, Tower City, PA 17980.
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