The body of a man found on a conveyor belt at a New Jersey recycling facility has been identified, leaving police and devastated friends and family to piece together how he got there.
Authorities said Nicholas Holsten, 35, was found dead Sept. 4 by workers sorting materials at the Republic Services Recycling Facility in Farmingdale, N.J., in Monmouth County.
Police and a medical examiner rushed to the facility at 2:42 p.m. after receiving the report, News12 reported. Holsten lived in Leesburg, in Cumberland County, New Jersey State Police told NJ.com.
Police are investigating the death; a cause has not yet been determined, News12 reported. As of Friday, authorities had not ruled out foul play, the Asbury Park Press reported.
A memorial page said he would be remembered in a private service.
“Nick was known for his adventurous spirit and his sense of humor that always had everyone laughing,” a memorial page stated. “He will be remembered for his silly personality, outrageous jokes, and his true love for drawing. Nick enjoyed making special drawings for those he loved.” He also loved music and skateboarding, and “leaves behind a legacy of creativity, joy, and smiles,” his loved ones said.
“He was a very caring and loving person,” Holsten’s mother, Melanie Holsten, told the Asbury Park Press. “He was an artist.”
Holsten is survived by his son Caenaan, parents and sisters, as well as nieces, a nephew, aunts, uncles and cousins, the obituary said.
