On July 19, 2018 Toms River Police Officer Michael Foy responded to 41 North Gateway for a report of a deceased male floating in the residence’s closed in-ground pool. After entering the backyard police discovered Erik J. Bierach, 45 years old, of Toms River under the pool cover. Mr. Bierach had extensive mental health history and was reported missing by his brother on July 16, 2018. There is no indication of foul play, an autopsy will be conducted to determine his cause of death, investigation is ongoing.
Detective Andrew Chencharik of the Toms River is leading todays investigation in conjunction with Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office. Anyone who may have seen or interacted with Mr. Bierach between July 16th and 19th should contact Detective Chencharik at 732-349-1050 extension 1338 or achencharik @trpolice.org.