The body of a Millville man who went missing in early December was found in an area nature preserve, police said.

The body of Donald Gronczewski was found at a Millville nature preserve, police say.

Donald Gronczewski, 49, was discovered in a heavily wooded area of the Maurice River Bluffs Preserve along Silver Run Road in Millville, Police Lt. Ross Hoffman confirmed on Friday.

Gronczewski, who lived on Ladow Avenue in the city, was reported missing on Dec. 3. On Dec. 5, Hoffmann said, his car was found in the parking lot of the nature area.

An extensive search of the area ensued that included officers on foot, a police helicopter, bloodhounds, police boats and a dive team.

The K-9s had tracked Gronczewski to the edge of the Maurice River which flows through the preserve, but the search did not locate him.

Hoffman said when police found Gronczewski's vehicle, a Mustang, in the preserve parking lot there was a suicide note.

While conducting a fresh search along the bluffs on Dec. 15, authorities found Gronczewski, according to Hoffman.

The exact cause of the man's death is still pending the completion of toxicology reports, Hoffman said Friday.

His family had earlier said that he enjoyed photography and often visited parks.

According to Gronczewski's obituary, he worked at the Omni Bakery in Millville as a safety manager. He was born in Bayonne and later lived in Virginia before moving to Millville, the obituary said.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.