A war veteran in Lakewood was found dead in an apparent suicide last night after being reported missing, sources tell TLS.
At about 10:30 PM, police responded to a home on South Street, from where an approximately 70-year-old war veteran reportedly went missing.
Upon arrival, police began searching the area, and a short time later discovered the man deceased inside a garage near his home, officials said. He died in an apparent suicide.
The man’s name wasn’t released yet, but a neighbor tells TLS “John” was a Vietnam War veteran, and appeared to be a really nice and friendly man. He says the veteran also underwent several operations recently.
Lakewood’s Detective Bureau, CSI and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office investigated the incident.
[TLS-46/TLS-MK/TLS-CCP]
So sad. Prayers to his family.
John Aviles …. R.I.P.
Tragic. Condolences to all who knew and loved him.
So extremely sad! Hope he could rest in peace now.
Johnny was a good man…
My God, I’m in shock!…
Rest in Peace Brother!
The questions always begs itself when we hear a story like this; what if anything could have been done to have avoided such a tragic outcome. Its always sad when someone’s life had to come to such a tragic end but its especially sad when its a war veteran living in our town, regardless if we knew him or not. We all have enormous gratitude and appreciation for his sacrifice and service to this great country that he help make it such!
To #7 (cool masmid); Very beautifully said. My brother was a vet in Nam, and when they returned, so many just “lost it”, and never recovered; my brother included. Too long of a story to tell. I really miss him and am so sorry for this man, his family, and friends. Now he’s finally at peace, And I thank him for his service.
R.I.P.
Rest in peace, John.
We take better care of illegal aliens then our Veterans.
A great man … A long time family friend and long time Lakewood resident. So sad…..Like # 7 said “what could have been down to avoid a tragic outcome.” Especially for our VETS …. and to #8 .. We the people need to do more for our VETS… Enough is not shared …. Sorry for you loss as well.