UPDATE: A desperate search for missing coach and teacher Steve Ianotti, aged 72, tragically concluded on Wednesday as authorities confirmed his death. The beloved former head football coach at Kingsway Regional High School was located in a remote area in Lawrence Township, following a multi-day search involving helicopters and license plate readers.
Logan Township Police Chief Joseph V. Flatley announced the heartbreaking news on the department’s Facebook page, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that we must advise that Mr. Ianotti has been located, and tragically, he is deceased.” He emphasized respect for Ianotti’s family, indicating this would be the only update on the situation.
Witnesses reported seeing Ianotti’s 1997 Jeep Wrangler with the license plate RUNT 61 being towed from a field, as CBS Philadelphia aired footage of the vehicle being recovered. Surveillance video captured the Jeep leaving Ianotti’s home at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, with the last recorded sighting at 12:53 p.m. on the same day.
Authorities faced challenges in the search, as Ianotti’s family confirmed he did not use credit or debit cards and had not made any transactions since December 25, 2023. His cell phone was found on the couch at home, a common place for him to leave it, raising concerns about his whereabouts among family and friends.
Despite the extensive search efforts, which did not indicate foul play, the circumstances did not qualify for a Silver Alert. Flatley explained, “Operating a motor vehicle with any form of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive impairment is not automatically a Silver Alert,” based on state police guidelines.
Gloucester County Commissioner Christopher Konawel Jr. expressed the community’s deep concern, stating the overwhelming response to Ianotti’s disappearance highlights how cherished he was by those around him.
As the community mourns the loss of a respected educator and coach, updates on the investigation will be limited. The tragic end to this search serves as a poignant reminder of the impact one individual can have on an entire community.
Stay tuned for further developments as officials continue to process this heartbreaking event.
