The disappearance of a Rutgers University student has left his family, friends, and the local community deeply worried.
Mortimer Wortman IV, 22, was last seen on the evening of November 21, leaving the Regional Day School parking lot in New Jersey.
Since then, his family has been on high alert, pleading for information that could lead to his safe return.
A Troubling Connection
Family members say that Mortimer got into a car with someone who had previously threatened him.
Over the summer, this individual allegedly brandished a knife at him, making the encounter particularly alarming.
“He was chasing my son somewhere around town in Point Pleasant.
The public called, and he got arrested,” Mortimer’s father, Mortimer Wortman III, explained.
“There was no bail. They let him out.”
According to his family, the man who gave Mortimer a ride reported him missing the very next day, on November 22.
While police confirmed the report, no charges have been filed against the man in relation to Mortimer’s disappearance.
Family Hopes and Concerns
Mortimer’s brother, Ivan Marks, noted that there is no evidence suggesting Mortimer was forced into the vehicle.
“He likes to see the best in people,” Marks said.
“I’m sure he could have been persuaded to get in that vehicle.”
Despite the uncertainty, his family remains determined to find him.
“Our concerns are for our son,” Mortimer Wortman III said.
“We want to know where he’s at.”
Marks added, “We are very hopeful. We believe he is alive somewhere and have a lot of faith.”
Community Efforts to Find Mortimer
Friends and classmates at Rutgers have been active in the search.
Abigail Bischoff, a close friend, has been putting up flyers around campus and helping search local areas.
“It’s scary out there… it’s the middle of the Pine Barrens. There aren’t many people around,” she told News 12 Jersey.
Another friend, Dylan Eskow, emphasized Mortimer’s kind nature.
“He wouldn’t just run away. He’s a super nice kid who always puts others first, whether it’s family, friends, or strangers.”
Law Enforcement Response
Mortimer’s aunt, Kimberly Rose, shared that the Jackson Police Department acted quickly, deploying drones and dogs to aid in the search.
“This past Saturday, multiple organizations and agencies assisted as well. We are truly grateful,” she wrote on Facebook.
Rose criticized the decision to release the man who was last seen with Mortimer, calling for a full investigation.
She added, “This is not a coincidence. We cannot fathom how he remains free after such violent offenses.
We will not stop looking for Mortimer until we get answers and justice is carried out!”
Remembering Mortimer
Friends and family have painted a vivid picture of Mortimer as a kind, passionate, and talented young man.
His aunt described him as someone “who has yet to see how good life can get,” while another family member, Monica Rios Janney, highlighted his love for music, art, fashion, and plants.
“This sweet young man is still missing… he is a hard worker with big dreams.
Our family is praying for him and wants him home with his loved ones,” Janney said.
Fundraising and Support
To support the search, Mortimer’s brother launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund resources and a private investigator to help bring him home.
As of Wednesday evening, the fundraiser had raised nearly $20,500.
Friends have also shared heartfelt messages on social media, emphasizing his generosity and the deep bond he shares with those who know him.
One friend wrote, “Mortimer is NOT just a face on a flyer. He is NOT a runaway kid. He is so loved, and we will not give up.”
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