UPDATE: How police found body of N.J. college student missing for month

WEST WINDSOR -- The Mercer County Community College Student missing for more than a month was found dead Monday near the college's campus, authorities said.

Nick Pratico

The body of Nick Pratico, who had been the subject of an extensive search since he was last seen at the college on Sept. 20, was found around 10 a.m. by Hamilton police and State Police along Old Trenton Road across from the community college.

The cause of the 18-year-old's death is not yet known, authorities said.

Late Monday, Pratico's heartbroken family posted a statement on Facebook, saying they awaited autopsy results.

"While we hoped and prayed for a different outcome, we have been buoyed by our faith and the strength of our family, neighbors, and the community at large. We want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and incredible efforts to bring Nicholas home safely," the statement said.

Pratico, of Hamilton, was a freshman at Mercer County Community College. His family launched a Facebook page days after his disappearance and offered a reward to anyone who could help find him.

Pratico was last seen at freshman orientation at the college in West Windsor. A security camera recorded him wearing a light blue shirt, black pants and carrying a blue backpack, at 3 p.m. His family reported him missing at 10 p.m. that night.

A volunteer searcher found Pratico's school ID card on a campus lawn near the Edinburg Road entrance a few days after Pratico's disappearance, Hamilton police Sgt. Brian Schroeder said.

Nick Pratico at Mercer County Community College Sept. 20.

Pratico's friends posted a nearly 12-minute video to YouTube earlier this month, filled with messages of thoughts and prayer they hope he would see, and lead to his return.

Pratico attended Notre Dame High School in Lawrence Township.

"The Hamilton Police Division extends its deepest condolences to the Pratico family and would like to thank all the contributing state, local, county agencies and civilian volunteers for their assistance in this tragic incident," the police statement said.

Paige Gross may be reached at pgross@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @By_paigegross. Find NJ.com on Facebook.