An 18-year-old Filipino American who has been missing since December 17, 2023 has been found.  

The remains of Hayley Erin “Lee” Avestruz Alvarado was pulled out of Newark Bay in Bayonne, New Jersey on March 5.  

The Hudson County Sheriff’s Department received a call on March 5 that a deceased woman was found in the water near Stephen R. Gregg Park at around 1:30 pm.  

Authorities said the woman was pronounced dead at the scene and was not identified at that time.  

Hayley’s father, Stephen Alvarado, told ABS-CBN News that on March 11, authorities told him that the body they found in the bay matched Hayley’s dental records. 

Alvarado said a security camera was able to take video of his daughter on the night of her disappearance on December 17, 2023.  

She left home past midnight with her backpack and never came back. 

Authorities say there were no visible signs of trauma on her body. 

The cause of death is still pending as the results from the medical examiner has not been released to ABS-CBN News. 

Family has described her as “a sweet, kind-hearted, brilliant, compassionate daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and friend."

Her brother Harley said: "We live on in the memories of those we leave behind, so let us honor Lee's memory by keeping her alive in our hearts and minds.” 

Hayley Alvarado will be laid to rest in Jersey City on March 19.