09/02/2026
MONTVILLE TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: September 1, 2026
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and Montville Township Police Department Chief Andrew Caggiano announced:
On August 31, 2026, at approximately 10:14 PM, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office located an unattended vehicle in the parking lot of Pyramid Mountain. The Sheriff’s Office and additional agencies checked the surrounding area for the owner of the vehicle, but no one was located. The search for the owner of the vehicle was suspended at 4:00 AM on September 1, 2026, due to weather. A missing person investigation was undertaken and determined that John Higgins, age 77 of Pompton Plains, and Virginia Taetzch, age 87 of Pompton Plains went for a hike in Pyramid Mountain on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at approximately 1:00 PM.
A more comprehensive search of the area began at 9 AM on September 1, 2026. After an extensive search by more than 30 officers they located Mr. Higgins alive at 11:40 AM. Officers were able to get Mr. Higgins out of the park, and he was transported to Morristown Memorial Hospital. The search continued and officers located Ms. Taetzch, who was later pronounced at the scene.
Officers from Montville Township, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Boonton, Boonton Township, Lincoln Park, Kinnelon Police Department, Montville Fire Department, Par-Troy EMS and St. Clares MICU assisted in the search and rescue efforts.
Sheriff James Gannon
Our multi-agency Search and Rescue operation successfully saved one life, while sadly recovering a deceased individual. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with the families during this difficult time, and we thank all agencies involved for their dedicated efforts.
Chief Andrew Caggiano
This was a tremendous effort by the men and women of multiple Morris County Law Enforcement agencies. The coordination and determination of all of those officers were able to save Mr. Higgins’ life. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Ms. Taetzch.
