Thomas ‘TJ’ Mauch, missing Berkeley Heights, NJ man found dead — fundraiser launched to support wife and young son

A Berkeley Heights, New Jersey man who was reported missing over the weekend has been found dead, according to a newly launched GoFundMe fundraiser created to support his wife and young son. Authorities confirmed that Thomas “TJ” Mauch, 34, was located on Tuesday, though no cause of death has been disclosed.

The Berkeley Heights Police Department said Mauch was last seen around 4:45 a.m. on October 3 near Glenside Road in Berkeley Heights Township. Police later issued an update confirming that he had been found, but provided no further details at the time, stating only that “no additional information was available.”

As of now, officials and family members have declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding Mauch’s sudden passing. It remains unclear whether foul play was involved or if the death was related to a medical or mental health crisis.

Thomas ‘TJ’ Mauch, missing Berkeley Heights, NJ man found dead — fundraiser launched to support wife and young son

Despite the uncertainty, tributes have poured in from family and friends who described TJ as a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend. A report by the Daily Voice noted that Mauch was “being remembered as a devoted husband and loving father, son, brother, and friend who loved the New Jersey Devils.”

In a GoFundMe campaign launched by his sister-in-law, Laura Couch, she described TJ as “dependable, loyal, hard-working, and kind-hearted,” adding that “he could strike up a conversation with any Uber driver or stranger at a party.”

The fundraiser aims to support TJ’s wife, Julie, and their 3-year-old son, Henry, as they cope with the tragic loss. “While TJ’s loss will leave a void that can never be filled, his legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends who loved him so much,” Couch wrote. “TJ’s love for his wife and son was evident in everything he did, and there are no words to express how deeply he will be missed.”

As of Wednesday evening, the campaign had raised over $63,000 toward its goal.