Missing Rutgers Senior Morty Wortman: New Search Efforts Renew Questions About His Final Hours
A promising college senior vanished after being seen getting into a car with an acquaintance, leaving his family desperate for answers as the search for him continues months later.
Mortimer “Morty” Wortman IV, 22, was a Rutgers University student from Jackson Township, New Jersey. He disappeared on November 21, 2025, and has not been found despite extensive search efforts and repeated appeals from his family and friends.
Surveillance footage reportedly captured Wortman getting into a vehicle with Adam Zalouk in the parking lot of Regional Day School in Jackson. Wortman’s own car was later found in the same parking lot.
According to reports, Zalouk told investigators that he and Wortman had driven to a nearby wooded area, where they argued before Wortman got out of the vehicle and said he would walk home. Investigators have not publicly confirmed that account through independent evidence.
A Troubling History Between the Two Men
Wortman’s family has raised concerns about Zalouk, pointing to an earlier confrontation in July 2025. According to court reporting, Zalouk pleaded guilty to making terroristic threats after an incident in which he allegedly threatened Wortman with a knife and damaged his car.
The earlier case has intensified the family’s questions about why the two men were together shortly before Wortman disappeared.
However, Zalouk has not been charged in connection with Wortman’s disappearance, and allegations surrounding the missing-person case should not be treated as proof of involvement.
His Family Refuses to Give Up
Wortman’s relatives and friends have continued to search for him and raise public awareness. His family has expressed concern that the investigation may not yet have answered all the questions surrounding his last known movements.
The Rutgers senior had been studying landscape architecture and was expected to graduate in 2026. Those close to him have described him as a kind person who cared deeply about his loved ones.
A reward of $10,000 has been offered for information that leads to his whereabouts.
Despite months of searching, Wortman’s disappearance remains unresolved. His family continues to hope that someone who saw something, or knows what happened after he entered that car, will come forward with information that can finally bring them answers.
Source: dailymail
