Greg Auriemma, the Ocean County Sierra Club chair was found dead this evening after an exhaustive search in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.  He had been missing for several weeks.  Auriemma was a fixture in the state environmental movement, an active political presence, and was a strong voice on climate change, sea level rise, and rebuilding after Hurricane Sandy. He was recognized by President Obama as a ‘Champion of Change’.

Sierra Club Executive Director Jeff Tittle said, “we are deeply saddened by the loss of Greg Auriemma. He was a good friend and a champion for the environment. Our hearts and prayers go out to his friends and family and to all of us who love him. Now is the time for remembering all the great things Greg did; his environmental work and activism will live on. Greg was hiking in the Crawford Notch area of the White Mountain National Forest where he was found. He loved to hike and he loved the White Mountains.”  

Tittel continued, “Greg has been a very trusted friend and advisor. He was a leader in the club and well-respected. He’s worked on so many issues but still wanted to do so much more. I considerate him a friend, ally, and confidant. Greg’s legacy is that when you drive around Ocean County you see preserved land, open spaces and parks. When you see pristine streams and a beautiful ocean, that’s part of his legacy too. Protecting the environment was truly what Greg was all about. Our thoughts go out to his family but also should take comfort in all that he has done to make our environment a better place.”