Overview
- John Paul Fernandez was reported missing on December 13, 2015, and was last seen at Natco Lake in Hazlet, New Jersey.
- Investigators recovered human remains on November 4, 2024, near Willow Street alongside the Henry Hudson Bike Trail in Middletown.
- Middletown police informed the family of a positive DNA match on October 14, 2025, and his mother publicly announced the identification on November 1.
- Authorities have not determined a cause of death and no criminal charges have been reported in connection with the case.
- The family thanked local detectives and New Jersey state forensic teams and said private services will be followed by a celebration of life.