UPDATE: A multi-day search for Steve Ianotti, a cherished former teacher and football coach at Kingsway Regional High School, has tragically concluded with the discovery of his body. Authorities confirmed the heartbreaking news just hours ago as the community mourns the loss of the 72-year-old beloved figure.
The search operation, which lasted several days, involved extensive resources including two helicopters, license plate readers, and surveillance footage. In a post on the Logan Township Police Department’s Facebook page, Police Chief Joseph V. Flatley announced that Ianotti had been located deceased. “It is with a heavy heart that we must advise that Mr. Ianotti has been located, and tragically, he is deceased,” Flatley stated.
Ianotti’s disappearance sparked an outpouring of concern, highlighting the profound impact he had on his community. Gloucester County Commissioner Christopher Konawel Jr. remarked, “The level of concern for Ianotti when word got out about him being missing and the intense search by police shows how beloved he was here and how much people admired him.”
The investigation into Ianotti’s disappearance began after he was last seen leaving his Logan Township home on Friday at 12:45 PM. Surveillance footage captured his 1997 Jeep Wrangler, bearing the license plate RUNT 61, at 12:53 PM at the intersection of Center Square Road and Heron Drive. Following his absence, family members found his cell phone left behind and reported no bank activity since Christmas, raising further concerns.
Early indications suggested no foul play, and police reported that Ianotti’s vehicle was towed from a remote field in Lawrence Township, where it was discovered. Despite efforts to locate him, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance did not qualify for a Silver Alert, according to state police guidelines.
The community is left reeling from this tragic news, as many remember Ianotti not just as a coach but as a mentor and friend. The outpouring of love and concern illustrates the significant role he played in the lives of countless individuals in the area.
As the investigation wraps up, authorities have confirmed that no further updates will be provided out of respect for Ianotti’s family. The community is urged to join together in remembrance of the profound legacy he leaves behind.
This heartbreaking conclusion serves as a poignant reminder of the impact educators and coaches have on their students and communities. Further details on memorial services and community support initiatives are expected to be announced in the coming days.
