Crime & Safety
Parents Of Missing TikTok Influencer In NJ Ask Public For Help
The parents of a missing NJ internet influencer made a video of their own, asking the public for help.
LYNDHURST, NJ — The parents of a TikTok influencer who's been missing since Thursday have posted a video asking the public for help.
William Hooper, 29, left his Lyndhurst home last week without his wallet or phone, his parents said.
Police said he was last seen at the Secaucus Junction train station Thursday morning. His parents later posted an update on Facebook saying he was seen leaving Penn Station in New York City the same day.
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In the past, William "Bill" Hooper has posted on TikTok about self-help and working through the pain.
A former high school athlete, he posted in March that he was recovering from an old track injury, and wrote, "If you have your health, you have everything."
Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"Get out of your own head," he advises, on his page.
His father, James Hooper, wrote on Facebook on Monday, "We are continuing to search for our 29-year-old son, William 'Bill' Hooper ... He was last seen exiting Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station around 9:39 a.m., walking toward 34th Street. He was wearing a blue and yellow flannel shirt, glasses, dark pants, gray slip-on Vans, and carrying a backpack. Bill does not have his phone or wallet and may be in need of assistance.
"Please continue sharing this flyer, especially with anyone in the NYC/Penn Station/Midtown Manhattan area."
He added, "Bill — we love you very much and just want to know that you are safe...Thank you again to everyone for the overwhelming support, prayers, shares, and outreach."
Parents Make Video Of Their Own
Hooper's parents took a page from him and made their own video on Tuesday, which police shared.
Standing inside the train station in Secaucus, they asked their son to at least let them know he's safe.
"Please keep sharing, and please keep looking," James Hooper said, thanking the community for their support.
To his son, he said, "Your brothers are out there, working every day to find you...we love you, Bill."
Anyone with tips can call police at 201-939-2900 or email tips@lyndhurstnjpolice.gov
More information is here and in the flyer above.
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