By: Richard L. Smith
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally disclosed the tragic end to the search for 20-year-old Altariq Hickson, who had been missing since March 6.
Last seen at his Roxbury residence, Hickson was reported missing six days later, prompting an extensive investigation by the Roxbury Police Department.
The discovery of Hickson's personal belongings on Mine Hill Beach raised alarms, leading to a comprehensive search operation involving the Morris County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit and the Morris County Office of Emergency Management.
The subsequent involvement of the New Jersey State Police resulted in the heartbreaking discovery of a body in Sunset Lake on March 19, believed to be that of Hickson.
The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office has since confirmed the identity of the remains as those of Altariq Hickson.
The cause of death was determined to be drowning, with the manner of death deemed accidental.
Despite the tragic outcome, the investigation, currently led by the Roxbury Township Police Department, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, and the MCPO Missing Persons Unit, has found no evidence of foul play at this stage.
As the community grapples with this loss, the investigation remains active, with law enforcement officials urging anyone with information related to Hickson's case to come forward.
Contacts for the Roxbury Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office have been provided for those who may be able to offer insights into the circumstances leading up to Hickson's untimely death.
The incident, while not considered suspicious, underscores the importance of community vigilance and the critical role of swift action when individuals are reported missing.
The collective efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies highlight the dedicated response to such cases, even as the community mourns the loss of a young life cut tragically short.