Tributes have begun to pour in for a high school football coach found dead in his jeep after a week of desperate searching by the local community.

Stephen Iannotti, 72, was pronounced dead after police located his body in a remote area of Cumberland County, New Jersey, a week after he was reported missing on Christmas Day.

No cause of death has yet been confirmed, and it is unclear whether Iannotti was found inside his vehicle – a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. Police initially stated that no foul play is suspected.

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In the days since his death was confirmed, students and colleagues have taken to social media to share their memories of the teacher, who coached freshman football at Kingsway Regional High School in Woolwich Township, New Jersey.

‘Steve was a joy to work with,’ one fellow teacher posted on Facebook. ‘He cared for his students and his fellow teachers. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace friend.’

One of his students, meanwhile, wrote: ‘He was one of my favorite teachers in Kingsway Regional High School and an overall awesome guy to know. I will miss you Mr I. RIP.’

Stephen Iannotti was found dead a week after he was reported missing by his family
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Stephen Iannotti was found dead a week after he was reported missing by his family

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Another former colleague said, touchingly: ‘I was to share a classroom with him. Not once did he complain that I was in his space.

‘He graciously accepted me, guided me and generally showed me the ropes. Everything I came to be was as a result of Steve Iannotti.’

Iannotti was first reported missing by his family, who told police they hadn’t heard from him since Christmas Day.

Ring surveillance footage from a neighbor showed him leaving home at 12:45pm ET on December 26, and he wasn’t seen after that point.

‘His cell phone was found on the couch within the residence, and family members indicated that it was common practice for him to leave the house without taking his phone with him,’ the Logan Police Department revealed in a statement.

Iannotti was a local teacher and high school football coach and mystery surrounds his death
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Iannotti was a local teacher and high school football coach and mystery surrounds his death

His vehicle did not cross any bridges after leaving the property and no money was spent on any of his bank cards before his body was found.

‘Out of respect for Coach I’s privacy and the privacy of his family, this will be the only update on this unfortunate case and we will not comment further. Thank you for your understanding,’ the Logan Police Department said.

Daily Mail was told by police on January 9 that there is no further update on the investigation and cause of death.

A service will be held to celebrate Iannotti’s life on January 15 at his high school.