'Heavy Hearts' As Police Officials Announce Beloved South Jersey Teacher And Coach Was Found Dead

WEST DEPTFORD, NJ — The search for Stephen Iannotti, the beloved former teacher and coach from Kingsway Regional High School, came to an end on New Year's Eve, the Logan County Police Department said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

The department's post said officials were making the announcement with "heavy hearts" that he was found and "tragically, he is deceased."

"Out of respect for Coach I’s privacy and the privacy of his family, this will be the only update on this unfortunate case, and we will not comment further," the post went on to say. "Thank you for your understanding."

Iannotti, 72, was last seen on Dec. 26.

Law enforcement conducted an extensive search, including deploying a search and rescue team, as well as a helicopter, for Iannotti, whom officials said was "endangered."

He formerly taught math and coached football in the Kingsway Regional School District, according to Gloucester County Commissioner Christopher Konawel Jr.

Konawel, a Kingsway Regional High School alumnus, previously called him a "local legend."

This story will be updated. Check back later.