'Terrible:' Missing Man Found Dead In Wall ShopRite Parking Lot

WALL – "Our family has suffered a terrible blow."

So said the family missing 29-year-old man who was found dead in his car in a ShopRite parking lot on Sunday, according to a lawyer for his family. Now they're trying to raise money for his burial.

Mauri Mendez had been reported missing by Lakewood police since Aug. 27. Jef Henninger, a lawyer for the family, said his death is currently under investigation.

Here's what the family said:

His soul has departed and we grieve his life cut short. We mourn the unfulfilled plans he had for a fresh start in his 30's. We still don't have answers, where, why, how. As this was an unexpected loss, we are struggling to find the funds to cover the cost of the service. We are asking for help to gather funds for final expenses for the family. Any amount donated, is received with thankfulness. Please consider donating if you are able to do so. We are so very grateful for every donation during this difficult time. We believe that God is gracious and compassionate. We trust that He hears our cries and in time He will mend this unbearable pain.

Mendez was last seen operating a beige 2000 Chevrolet Blazer with a large dent on the driver's side door, police said. News12 reported that police discovered the body on Sunday in a 2000 Chevrolet Blazer.

"The family is devastated as this was not the outcome that anyone expected," Henninger said in a statement to Patch.

"As no one plans to bury their 29-year-old son. They do not have money set aside for his funeral expenses."

Henninger said the family will be set up a GoFundMe page to help defray the costs of his funeral.

"On behalf of the family, I would like to thank everyone on social media that took time out of their busy Labor Day weekend to share this story, he said. "Thanks to you, we were able to reach tens of thousands of people."

He also thanked all of the law enforcement officials that helped in this case, especially the Lakewood Township Police Department.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Lakewood Det. Robert Lopez at 732-363-0200 ext 5335

This is a developing story. Patch will have more information as it comes in.