The search for 22‑year‑old Mortimer “Morty” Mekhai Wortman of Jackson Township continues to intensify as family, volunteers, and law enforcement push forward with renewed urgency. Wortman, a Rutgers University senior, vanished in November 2025, and the case has since grown into one of Ocean County’s most closely followed missing‑person investigations.

🌲 Renewed Search Efforts in Colliers Mills

A large volunteer search is scheduled in Jackson’s Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area, where Wortman’s car was discovered near the Regional Day School. Improved weather and snowmelt have opened previously inaccessible terrain, prompting organizers to relaunch a full-scale ground search. Volunteers are asked to meet at the Regional Day School parking lot and come prepared for rugged, long‑distance hiking conditions.

Key details from organizers:

• Terrain includes dense woods and long‑hike conditions
• Volunteers encouraged to bring water, food, gloves, boots, and charged phones

📅 Timeline of Morty’s Disappearance

According to reporting, Morty was last seen on November 21, 2025, after leaving home to visit a friend. His repaired phone was waiting for pickup, and he had been communicating with his mother via iPad. Nothing in their final conversation suggested distress. His vehicle was later found parked near a vast nature preserve in Jackson Township.

Family insights:

• Morty was a Rutgers senior studying landscape architecture
• Described as polite, kind, and deeply connected to his siblings
• His mother has searched nearly every day since his disappearance

🚨 Suspicious Circumstances and Person of Interest

Reports indicate that Morty was last seen entering a vehicle with Adam Zalouk, a man previously charged with threatening him months earlier. In July 2025, Zalouk allegedly pulled a knife on Morty and vandalized his car after an altercation. Although Zalouk recently appeared in court on those earlier charges, he has not been detained in connection with the disappearance. Morty’s family believes he may be involved.

Morty’s physical description:

• 5’10”, 200 lbs
• Light skin, dark brown hair, brown eyes
• Nose piercing and multiple earrings

Anyone with information is urged to contact Jackson Police at 732‑928‑1111.

🧭 Community Response and Ongoing Efforts

The case has sparked widespread community involvement, with social media campaigns using the hashtag #BringMortyHome. Flyers, awareness posts, and organized searches continue to circulate across New Jersey. Morty’s family remains hopeful and active in the search, urging the public to stay alert and share any information that may help bring him home.