Missing NJ Toddler Found Dead in Septic Tank A southern New Jersey toddler who went missing from her home has been found dead in a nearby septic tank. Lakewood police say the 2-year-old was found in the underground sewage tank on Monday night. Authorities say she may have fallen through a hole into the tank, which is used for processing waste. The discovery of her body ended a roughly three-hour search by township police, an Ocean County Sheriff's Department canine unit and a state police helicopter. It's unknown how long the toddler was inside the septic tank. Authorities say her family had reported her missing.