Body on beach identified as missing Ocean Grove man

Examination of the body found on a dune in Neptune Township's Ocean Grove section early Wednesday reveals it to be the remains of Richard Morton, 61, the township man who was reported missing August 26.

The identity was disclosed this afternoon by Charles Webster of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

Further tests will determine the cause and manner of death. Authorities have not indicated any change in their contention that foul play is not a factor.

There has been a great outpouring of sympathy for Morton's relatives on his Facebook page, where a family member noted that he died "by the beach and in town he loved," adding that it wasn't the outcome they'd hoped, but that it provided closure.