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Berstler's Mom: Son Is Missing, Not Dead

Stephen Berstler Jr. went missing Dec. 30.

 

Stephen Berstler, Jr. has been missing since the morning of Friday, Dec. 30, and the Port Authority Police are handling the case as such.

Berstler's cell phone, Salisbury University student identification card and car keys were found by a cyclist early Friday morning on the George Washington Bridge, according to his mother, Sandi Basenese.

The following day the Port Authority Police found his vehicle at the New York City Armory near the bridge. Berstler competed for track meets at the Armory many times, Basenese said, and believes he ran this route for pleasure the day he went missing.

No official word has come, and Port Authority Police are handling the case as a missing person. Basenese said she believes her son tested his athletic endurance the day he went missing, and attempted to achieve athletic greatness.

Berstler had been training for long distance runs for many years and part of that routine was to submerge himself into ice water for 20 minutes, Basenese said.

The arrangements for a memorial service were made unbeknownst to her, Basenese said, and she feels that it is too soon for such a gathering. Basenese said, however, she would love all who knew Stephen to attend and pray that her son finds his way home.

The memorial service will be held Monday, Jan. 9 at St. Luke's Parish on West Mill Road. 

Related Topics: Stephen Berstler Jr

JohnG

12:06 pm on Friday, January 6, 2012

Yeah... And as star ledger reported they also found his shoes on the bridge. Sadly I think the mother is in denial. RIP

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FourScore

3:57 pm on Friday, January 6, 2012

How can this have possibly been reported in the media as a death when a body hasn't even been recovered yet???

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Sally Doris

5:52 pm on Friday, January 6, 2012

I agree with Hookerman. If it were my son, I would not want anyone reporting that he was dead within the first week unless they had absolute proof. I also don't think all of the media sources have their facts straight since each has different information. And those that are throwing insults back and forth at each other should be ashamed of yourselves. There is a boy missing, possibly dead and your bickering amongst yourselves on this website. Pathetic.

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Eileen Kelly

10:05 am on Saturday, January 7, 2012

Very sad situation. Prayers to the family that he is found soon.

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audrey

11:46 pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Steve i will always remember you as a pleasant young man , Also running with your shades as a Greenstreaker
RIP

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