Police ID hit-and-run victim found near New Jersey Turnpike as Texas man

MT. LAUREL, N.J. (WPVI) -- The New Jersey State Police have identified the body of a man found off the New Jersey Turnpike on Tuesday afternoon.

Police say 68-year-old Michael Shimanek of Granbury, Texas was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash.

According to authorities, Shimanek's body was discovered around 2:35 p.m. Tuesday down an embankment off of the right side of the roadway of the northbound lanes of the Turnpike at milepost 34.2.

Police say the victim was struck at milepost 34.3, sometime between 3:00 a.m. and dawn Tuesday.

The driver did not stop and is being sought for questioning.

Police say Shimanek suffered from dementia and wandered away from a nearby hotel where he was staying after it was evacuated due to a triggered fire alarm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Moorestown Station at (856) 273-3228.

Anonymous tips are welcome.