need to know
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A 72-year-old former football coach in New Jersey was found dead, and his family last heard from him on Christmas Day.
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Stephen Iannotti was considered missing until his body was discovered days later on Wednesday, December 31
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During his career, Iannotti served as a math teacher and coach in Gloucester County
A former New Jersey football coach has been found dead and his family last heard from him on Christmas Day.
On Wednesday, Dec. 31, officials announced that 72-year-old Stephen Iannotti was found dead, the Logan Township Police Department and Gloucester County Emergency Management said in a joint news release.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share that Mr. Iannotti has been located and, unfortunately, deceased,” authorities said. “Out of respect for the privacy of Coach I and his family, this will be the only update on this unfortunate case and we will not comment further. Thank you for your understanding.”
Three days ago, on Sunday, December 28, police were alerted to the disappearance of Iannotti.
County Commissioner Chris Konawel confirmed to NJ.com that he previously worked as a math teacher and football coach in Gloucester County.
Officials said the former educator’s family last heard from him on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 25, according to a news release. His black Jeep Wrangler was not found at his residence, and a health check revealed the man was not home.
“His cell phone was found on the couch at the residence and the family stated that it was common practice for him to leave the house without his cell phone,” police said.
After reviewing footage from a nearby doorbell camera, investigators learned Iannotti’s Jeep left his driveway around 12:45 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 26, according to the release. His license plate, “RUNT 61,” was last seen less than 10 minutes later at the intersection of Center Square Rd. Dr. Herron of Logan Township, officials said.
According to officials, Iannotti did not use a credit or debit card and there has been no activity on his bank account since before Christmas.
As police ask for the public’s help in locating the missing man, they say he frequents the Mount Royal area of ​​East Greenwich Township and Pittman Borough.
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On the day Iannotti’s body was found, a news helicopter captured footage of a black Jeep Wrangler with the license plate “RUNT 61” being towed away, NBC affiliate WCAU reported.
The Gloucester County Medical Examiner’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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