Berstler's Mom: Son Is Missing, Not Dead

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, a.

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 on West Mill Road.