NEED TO KNOW
- Emilio Acosta, 20, of Weehawken, N.J., was last seen leaving his home on Dec. 18, 2025
- His family said that Acosta has bipolar disorder and may have had a mental health episode around the time of his disappearance
- He was observed, per surveillance footage, walking toward MetLife Stadium
A New Jersey family says that they are “desperate” to learn the whearabouts of their loved one that has been missing for nearly a month.
According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), Emilio Acosta, 20, of Weehawken, was last seen on Dec. 18, 2025.
His parents said they woke up around 1:30 a.m. local time to discover Emilio going through a closet in their bedroom, taking two backpacks, and running out of the home.
Emilio’s father then drove around the area to find his son, but was unsuccessful, per the database.
“We ask the community to take a close look at his picture and if they see him, just communicate directly with the Weehawken Police Department,” Idelfonso Acosta, Emilio’s dad, told News 12.
Emilio’s family said that he was last seen wearing a beige hooded sweatshirt bearing Yankee lettering in navy blue, grey sweatpants, black Timberland boots and two backpacks, per NamUs. A black ski helmet was attached to one of the backpacks.
The family also said that Emilio may have experienced a mental health episode around the time of his disappearance.
“Our son has been living with bipolar disorder. He was under proper care but since he’s left the house, he hasn’t had his medication with him, Idelfonso told News 12.
Weehawken Police Deputy Chief James told NJ.com in a story published on Jan. 6 that searches for the 20-year-old have been unsuccessful.
According to surveillance footage, Emilio was seen near an elementary school in Weehawken. He was later spotted at a Shell gas station in Secaucus before being observed walking toward MetLife Stadium. Authorities also shared that Emilio’s cell phone last pinged in the vicinity of the stadium.
“We’ve had numerous leads and things of that nature since that time, but unfortunately they haven’t panned out,” White said, per NJ.com. “He hasn’t logged on to any of his social media accounts.”
Authorities described Emilio as 5′ 11″ and weighing between 160 and 180 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes.
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“My son is a loving caring person with the right support, Idelfonso Acosta, whose family has posted flyers about Emilio in the Hudson County area, told NBC affiliate WNBC in a Jan. 2 report.
“I cannot understate how much support and love we have received from friends and family. That has given us strength to not give up hope…We’re gonna bring him back home,” he added.
Those with information about Emilio are encouraged to call the Weehawken Police Department at 201-863-7800.
PEOPLE contacted the Weehawken Police Department on Tuesday, Jan. 13, but did not receive an immediate response.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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