Mortimer 'Morty' Wortman, a 22-year-old Rutgers University student, was reported missing in Jackson Township, New Jersey, just before Thanksgiving in 2025. He was last seen on the evening of November 21, 2025. Surveillance footage captured him getting into a vehicle with an acquaintance, Adam Zalouk, in the parking lot of the Regional Day School, which is adjacent to the expansive Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area. Wortman's own car was later found in that same parking lot. The acquaintance who was last seen with him, reported him missing the following day, telling authorities that Wortman had walked off into the woods of the wildlife preserve after they had an argument. At the time of his disappearance, Wortman was said to be wearing a black t-shirt, a burgundy sweatshirt, and blue jeans. He is described as being 5'10' tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with dark brown hair and brown eyes. He also has a nose piercing and several earrings in each ear.
The circumstances surrounding Mortimer Wortman's disappearance are complicated by a history between him and the individual who reported him missing. Prior to his disappearance, Adam Zalouk was facing charges for allegedly threatening Wortman with a knife, ramming his car, and vandalizing it in a previous incident. This history has led Wortman's family to believe that Zalouk is connected to his disappearance. Despite their pleas for his arrest, Zalouk has not been charged in relation to the missing person's case. Authorities have conducted extensive searches of the over 12,000-acre Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, utilizing various resources including drones and canine units, but have not found any trace of the missing student. The Ocean County Prosecutor's Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from multiple state and local law enforcement agencies.
The family of Mortimer Wortman has been relentless in their efforts to find him, organizing searches and seeking to keep his story in the public eye. His mother has been a constant presence in the woods, searching for her son. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support the search efforts and potentially hire a private investigator. In an effort to generate new leads, the reward for information leading to Wortman's safe return has been increased to $10,000. The case remains an active investigation, with law enforcement and his loved ones still hoping for answers. The overview of this case reveals a young man who vanished under suspicious circumstances, leaving behind a family desperate for his return and a community concerned for his well-being. The involvement of an individual with a prior conflict with Wortman adds a layer of complexity and concern to the ongoing investigation.Last Seen: Nov 21, 2025
