Investigation ongoing nearly a week after homeowner discovered body via remote surveillance camera

PALMYRA TOWNSHIP — Authorities have not released the cause or manner of death for an 80-year-old Wayne County man whose body was discovered in a stranger’s driveway last week, despite completing an autopsy Monday, December 15.

Thor Korneliussen of Texas Township was found dead Friday, December 12, at 485 Long Ridge Road in Palmyra Township — miles from where he was last seen the night before. The Wayne County Coroner’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police at Honesdale continue to investigate.

The circumstances remain unclear: How did an elderly man classified as “missing endangered” travel from White Mills to Palmyra Township overnight, and why did he end up in a residential driveway?

Case Reference:

• Deceased: Thor Korneliussen, 80, Texas Township
• Last Seen: Thursday, December 11, 2025, approximately 11 p.m. — Lock Street area, White Mills (Texas Township)
• Found: Friday, December 12, 2025, 2:10 p.m. — 485 Long Ridge Road, Palmyra Township (Hawley)
• Autopsy: Monday, December 15, 2025 — cause and manner of death pending
• Investigating Agencies: Pennsylvania State Police — Honesdale, Wayne County Coroner’s Office
• Status: Investigation ongoing

How He Was Found

The homeowner at 485 Long Ridge Road was not at the property on Friday, December 12. Checking his surveillance camera remotely, he observed a body in his driveway and immediately called 911.

Chief Deputy Coroner Mark M. James responded and pronounced Korneliussen dead at 2:10 p.m.

Without the homeowner’s remote camera check, it’s unclear when the body would have been discovered.

The 15-Hour Gap

Korneliussen was last seen around 11 p.m. Thursday, December 11, in the area of Lock Street in White Mills — a small village in Texas Township along Route 6 between Honesdale and Hawley.

Pennsylvania State Police at Honesdale subsequently issued a Missing Endangered Person Advisory, a designation used when authorities believe someone may be at special risk of harm due to age, medical condition, or cognitive impairment.

Approximately 15 hours passed between his last known sighting and the discovery of his body.

Miles From Where He Was Last Seen

Long Ridge Road in Palmyra Township sits several miles from the White Mills area of Texas Township.

Investigators have not disclosed how Korneliussen traveled that distance, whether he was on foot or in a vehicle, or what led him to the property where he was found.

The specific circumstances that prompted the “endangered” classification have also not been released.

What Happens Next

The autopsy was completed Monday, December 15. Results typically take days to weeks depending on whether toxicology or other laboratory testing is required.

State police and the coroner’s office have described the investigation as ongoing but have not indicated whether foul play is suspected.

What “Missing Endangered” Means

Pennsylvania State Police issue Missing Endangered Person Advisories when someone is believed to be “at special risk of harm or injury or may be confused.”

The designation is commonly used for elderly individuals, those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, people with certain medical conditions, or individuals experiencing mental health crisis. It triggers coordinated search efforts and public notification.

Anyone with information regarding Korneliussen’s movements between the evening of Thursday, December 11 and the afternoon of Friday, December 12 should contact Pennsylvania State Police at Honesdale: 570-253-7126.