10-11-15 UNATTENDED DEATH (UPDATED 10-13)

On Sunday, October 11th 2015 at approximately 1228hrs the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police Department received a 9-1-1 call reportinga possibly deceased person on a hiking trail in the Alpine NJ Section.  The location was determined to be approximately 3/4 of a mile north of the NJ Headquarters on the Long Path.  P.O. Joseph Villone #378 and P.O. Donald Liu #396 responded to the scene and met with the caller who directed them to the victim.

The officers secured the area and made notifications to the Detective Bureau.  It was determined that the victim was deceased when officers arrived and was pronounced by ALS who was also dispatched to the scene.  Detectives conducted an investigation into the identity of the victim and a cause of death.  Bergen County Sheriff’s Department BCI and Medical Examiner investigators arrived on the scene to assist.

The victim was later identified as Mr. Hugh Degnen, a 54 year old male of Harrington Park NJ.  At this time, the investigation does not point to an outside influence or suspicious circumstance into Mr. Degnen’s death however an autopsy is pending and the investigation is still ongoing.  Further information will be released if and when available.

October 13th, 2015 Update:

The investigation has concluded and it was found that Mr. Degnen’s death was medical in nature.