Man's Death In Hoboken Park Draws Councilwoman’s Concern And Updates

HOBOKEN, NJ — After a jogger found a man dead in a Hoboken waterfront park Thursday morning, the councilwoman for the area addressed residents' "uncertainty" in a message on Friday.

2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher said that a jogger had discovered the body in Maxwell Park on Thursday morning.

She noted that the park reopened relatively quickly and there were no warnings for the public from law enforcement, or any talk of increased police presence.

"In my time living here, I’ve seen that tragic events like this in Hoboken tend to involve either self-inflicted harm or situations where the people involved knew each other," she wrote Friday. "These are just some factors I’m weighing as we await more definitive information."

She noted that she has asked public safety officials to update the public.

"I’ve been urging law enforcement to share information with the public as soon as possible—especially if there’s anything that might impact our sense of safety," she wrote. "They understand the urgency, but they’re waiting to notify the family and confirm the cause of death before making any definitive statements."

Here is Fisher's full statement:

As I am sure you have heard, a deceased man was found early Thursday morning in Maxwell Park. News like this can understandably leave us feeling unsettled—not just in the immediate neighborhood, but across our entire community.

I first heard from neighbors around 7 a.m. yesterday and immediately reached out to our Public Safety Director. Throughout the day, I was in touch with our Police Chief, members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office (HCPO), and many of you who reached out with concerns. I completely understand how frustrating it is to have so few answers in situations like this. I want you to know that the HCPO and HPD are fully engaged and working around the clock to get answers. If you, or anyone you know, witnessed anything related to the deceased before Hoboken Police arrived or have any other information you feel may be relevant, please reach out to HCPO Sergeant Ken Sheehan at 201-705-4161 who is leading the investigation. You can also call Hoboken Police at 201-420-2100, who will relay any information to the HCPO.

Here’s what I can share based on what I’ve learned:

A jogger found the man early in the morning and alerted the Hoboken Police Department (HPD).

HPD was first on the scene and did an initial review.

Because the person was deceased, jurisdiction immediately shifted to the HCPO, meaning the scene remained untouched until the HCPO and Medical Examiner arrived.

When they arrived, they set up a privacy tent and began their forensic analysis.

The deceased was then taken to the coroner’s office for a full autopsy.

The area was cleared shortly afterward.

The autopsy results, which are key to determining the cause of death, could come as early as this weekend or take up to two weeks. Meanwhile, the HCPO is leading the investigation, with HPD coordinating closely. This includes interviewing witnesses and reviewing video footage from nearby buildings —unfortunately, there are no cameras directly in the park.

I’ve been urging law enforcement to share information with the public as soon as possible—especially if there’s anything that might impact our sense of safety. They understand the urgency, but they’re waiting to notify the family and confirm the cause of death before making any definitive statements. That final determination hinges on the medical examiner’s findings.

I know the lack of clarity leaves all of us uneasy. Here’s how I’ve been processing this situation and what I’m considering as we wait for more details:

We haven’t received any public warnings from law enforcement.

There hasn’t been an increased police presence in Hoboken or extended activity in the area.

The park was reopened fairly quickly after the scene was cleared.

In my time living here, I’ve seen that tragic events like this in Hoboken tend to involve either self-inflicted harm or situations where the people involved knew each other. These are just some factors I’m weighing as we await more definitive information.

I know this has been unsettling for everyone, and I’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more. Feel free to reach out to talk with me at anytime. Thank you for your patience and for always being the caring, watchful community that we are. And please say a prayer for those directly impacted in this tragedy.

READ MORE: Man Found Dead In Hoboken Park