Elementary Teacher From Kew Gardens Found Dead In Catskills

QUEENS, NY — A missing Queens teacher and avid hiker was found dead in a wooded area in upstate New York, and authorities believe the 46-year-old Kew Gardens man may have suffered a medical event. Keith Johnson was seen last at P.S. 29 Q where he worked on the afternoon of May 4, NYPD said. Johnson's 2006 Hyundai Elantra was seen crossing over the outbound Throgs Neck Bridge the following morning.

On Sunday, NYPD said Johnson was found dead in the Catskills near Shandaken. No arrests have been made and an investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities are looking into whether Johnson suffered a medical episode while hiking or camping, the New York Post reported.

A law enforcement official told Fox News on Sunday that Johnson's death doesn't seem overtly suspicious. He could have died of natural causes.

It was normal for Johnson to go days without contacting relatives, family members told WCBS-TV. He didn't have a known history of substance abuse or mental health issues, the outlet said.

“He’s highly responsible, highly loved by his students,” said Johnson’s friend Brian Kastan. “He loves his students, he’s a great guy and that’s why people are looking for him.”

Ken Achan, Johnson’s neighbor, told the tv station Johnson mentioned he was leaving New York City for a short trip and had left food out for his pets.

“He told me he left a lot of food out for the cats and not to worry for crying that he’s going camping,” he said.

Photo credit: NYPD