A beloved New Jersey high school football coach has been found dead after his family went days without hearing from him following Christmas.
Stephen Iannoti, 72, was pronounced deceased on Wednesday, Dec. 31, after police located his Jeep in a remote area of Cumberland County, authorities confirmed.
“It is with a heavy heart that we must advise that Mr. Iannoti has been located, and tragically, he is deceased,” the Logan Township Police Department said in a statement. “Out of respect for Coach I’s privacy and the privacy of his family, this will be the only update on this unfortunate case.”
Police did not specify whether Iannoti’s body was found inside the vehicle. Aerial footage aired by NBC10 Philadelphia showed his Jeep being removed from the area on a flatbed truck.
No cause of death has been announced.
Investigators said Iannoti was last in contact with his family on Christmas evening. When relatives reported him missing, they also noted his 1997 Jeep Wrangler was gone from his home.
“His cell phone was found on the couch within the residence, and family members indicated it was common practice for him to leave the house without taking his phone,” Logan Township police said.
A neighbor’s Ring camera later captured video of Iannoti leaving his driveway around 12:45 p.m. on Dec. 26. Authorities said his Jeep did not cross any bridges after that point, and there was no activity on his bank account after Christmas. Police previously stated foul play was not suspected.
Iannoti was a longtime educator and coach who taught and coached freshman football at Kingsway Regional High School, where he left a lasting impression on students and colleagues.
Former colleague Dave Reiners shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, remembering Iannoti as a mentor who helped shape his career.
“Everything I came to be was as a result of Steve Iannoti,” Reiners wrote. “He always had a smile, always asked how you were doing, and genuinely cared. The world will be a lesser place without him.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, describing Iannoti as a dedicated teacher, an inspiring coach, and a familiar, uplifting presence in the community.
“Logan will not be the same,” one community member wrote. “Every time we saw him jogging, we felt inspired.”
Authorities have not released further details as the investigation continues.
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