TOMS RIVER – A Toms River man who was reported missing earlier this week has been found dead in a backyard swimming pool.

Police spokesperson Jillian Messina confirms the body of 45-year-old Erik Bierach was discovered underneath the pool’s cover by a member of Bierach’s family on Thursday, July 19th.

Messina tells Jersey Shore Online that Bierach was reported missing by his brother on Monday and Bierach had an extensive mental health history.

A full investigation into the cause of his death is underway but foul play is not suspected. An autopsy will take place to determine the exact cause of death.

Toms River Police Officer Michael Foy was the responding officer to the home on North Gateway.

Detective Andrew Chencharik of the Toms River is leading the probe in conjunction with Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Police urge anyone who may have seen or interacted with Bierach between July 16th and 19th to contact Detective Chencharik at 732-349-1050 extension 1338 or via email: achencharik @trpolice.org.