Remains found in search for NJ father who went missing on geocaching trip in Louisiana forest

Badly decomposed human remains that authorities believe belong to a New Jersey father and avid geocacher were found in Louisiana woods Wednesday, sheriff officials said.

The apparent body of Robert Owens Jr., 58, was discovered around 9 a.m. in a densely wooded area near a creek about a half-mile from a Kisatchie National Forest trailhead, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

The Millville, New Jersey, resident was reported missing on July 17 after he hadn’t been in touch with family since July 9.

“Due to the severe decomposition of the remains, positive identification is pending,” the sheriff’s office said.

But officials noted that based on clothing description and other physical traits, investigators believe it is Owens’ body.

The Rapides Parish coroner took possession of the remains to perform an autopsy, where a cause of death and positive identification is expected to be determined.

The Millville native disappeared during a geocaching trip, which is an outdoor activity where participants use a Global Positioning System receiver or cellphone and other navigational techniques to hide and locate containers.

The containers are called geocaches or caches and are placed at certain spots marked by coordinates throughout the world.  

Sheriff’s detectives are also seeking two hikers captured in surveillance footage at the head of the Azalea Trail to see if they passed by Owens while he was alive, the department said.

One of Owens’ children posted on Instagram about the discovery, noting their father last saw his family on July 7, when he left for his trip, and last contacted them on July 9.

“I genuinely don’t even know what to say. It breaks me trying to process this all. You were and still are the best dad you could be,” they wrote. “You were more than the best.

“And though this time is extremely devastating and unexpected, you were doing something you loved. And I know how much you were looking forward to the trip. Geocaching always made you such a happy camper. Literally. I love you, Dad. Rest in peace. 🫶”

The search, conducted by multiple agencies, heated up after Owens’ car was found with the help of another geocacher, authorities said.