The search for a missing Filipino teenage in New Jersey ended after the body of 18-year-old Hayley Alvarado who left home three months ago was found at Newark Bay in Bayonne, New Jersey last March 5.
According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, a woman’s body, then unidentified, was recovered from the Newark Bay while the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department confirmed they got a call that a woman was found in the water near Stephen R. Gregg Park around 1:30 p.m. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene and has not yet been identified, officials added.
There was no visible sign of trauma on her body and the cause of death is still pending until the results from the medical examiner.
In a phone interview, Hayley’s father, Stephen Alvarado said at least they had closure, unlike other families of missing children whose recovery take decades if they are found at all.
“Last weekend March 9th, I received devastating news. After nearly three agonizing months of searching, my daughter Hayley has been found deceased in Bayonne, NJ. The authorities requested my entire family to report to the Hudson County Prosecution’s Office in Secaucus, where they informed us about the discovery of her body in Bayonne. The clothing they showed us, including a blue T-shirt marked Delaware that I distinctly remember buying for her during a visit to Maryland two years ago, matched what she was last seen wearing, along with the pants and shoes,” Stephen recalled. “ My wife, Portia, and my sons, Harley and Hanson, and I were overwhelmed with grief upon seeing those items, confirming our worst fears. The police are asking us to wait for the results of the autopsy and DNA test.”
Stephen also mentioned that on March 11, he received a call from police authorities “informing us that Hayley’s dental records matched the body that was discovered. We are struggling to come to terms with this heartbreaking news. Your understanding and support during this incredibly difficult time would mean a lot to us.”
The official obituary for Hayley read: Hayley Erin Alvarado October 9, 2005 – March 5, 2024.
”Hayley Erin Alvarado, sweetly known by her nickname ‘Lee’ among her close circle, passed away on March 5, 2024, in Jersey City, New Jersey, leaving a legacy of kindness, brilliance, and passionate advocacy. Born on October 9, 2005, in Tacloban City, Philippines, to proud parents Portia and Stephen Alvarado, Hayley was a beacon of light for those privileged to know her.”
Despite her young age, Hayley was a soul far wiser than her years would suggest. She was dedicated to her studies at Montclair State University where she was a freshman in BA, Linguistics.
She was a wide reader and an eloquent speaker. She liked to give hugs and gifts to her family and friends. She loved singing, sisig, anime and video games.
Brother Harley poignantly stated, “It is said that a person dies twice: once physically and once when they are forgotten. Hopefully, that second death will come long after we pass on.”
Hayley’s remains were cremated last March 14 after last sacraments were administered last March 18 at the Greenville Memorial Home in Jersey City. Funeral mass was held last March 19, 2024 at the Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic in Jersey City.
Hayley’s remains will be buried in Tacloban.
