Missing Woman, 87, Found Dead In North Jersey Woods, Cops Say

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A woman who was believed to be missing was found dead in a Morris County forest this week, according to prosecutors.

Virginia Taetzch, 87, was one of two people who were reported missing in Montville this week, specifically in the Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area.

On Monday, around 10:15 p.m., police launched a search when they found an empty car in the Pyramid Mountain parking lot. They halted the search around 4 a.m. Tuesday due to weather, according to prosecutors.

On Tuesday, at 9 a.m., a "more comprehensive search of the area," took place, with authorities looking for Taetzch and her 77-year-old companion John Higgins, who police believed embarked on a hike together around 1 p.m. Sunday.

Related: 2 'At-Risk' People Vanish In Morris County Forest, Police Seek Help

After nearly three hours, police were able to find Higgins. He was taken out of the park and rushed to a hospital to be treated.

It was shortly after that police located Taetzch, who was found dead in the woods, authorities said.

"Our multi-agency Search and Rescue operation successfully saved one life, while sadly recovering a deceased individual," said Morris County Sheriff James Gannon. "Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families during this difficult time, and we thank all agencies involved for their dedicated efforts."

Authorities have not released a cause of death at this time.

Pyramid Mountain spans roughly 1,600 acres of rugged trails, fields, forests, rock outcroppings, and wetlands, according to the Morris County Parks Commission.