United Search Corps renews appeal in Theresa Kawash disappearance

United Search Corps has reopened attention on the 44-year-old disappearance of Theresa Kawash, who vanished from Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, in 1982. The nonprofit’s July 2026 search and renewed public appeal aim to surface information that could finally help investigators and Kawash’s family.

Why it matters: - The Theresa Kawash case has remained unsolved for 44 years, leaving her family without answers. - New attention to an old disappearance can still produce leads, especially when investigators believe small details may matter. - United Search Corps wants the public to contact law enforcement with any information that could help move the case forward.

What happened: - United Search Corps renewed its call for information about Theresa Kawash, who disappeared on July 4, 1982, from her home in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. - Kawash was 36 at the time of her disappearance. - Kawash and her gold 1977 Datsun 280Z vanished without a trace. - In July 2026, United Search Corps traveled to New Jersey to conduct an extensive search using advanced Garmin sonar and specialized search techniques. - The nonprofit documented the search to raise public awareness. - The organization is urging anyone with information to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.

The details: - At the time she disappeared, Kawash was in divorce proceedings with her husband, Edward Kawash. - Edward Kawash owned 11 high-end salons throughout New Jersey. - Kawash was also seeking full custody of the couple's young daughter. - Investigative records show Theresa Kawash had obtained financial records tied to her husband's businesses. - Investigative records also indicate she reportedly shared information from those records with a court official two days before she disappeared. - Investigators have pursued multiple leads over the years. - Those theories have included possible knowledge of, or involvement in, the disappearance by individuals connected to organized crime and associates of Edward Kawash. - Edward Kawash has since died. - United Search Corps founder Doug Bishop said, "It's time to do the right thing," and urged anyone with information to come forward. - The group said memories fade, but old conversations, observations and details may now contain the missing piece. - The case number is CH82-32. - The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office phone number is (201) 646-2300. - United Search Corps is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 92-2724824. - The organization says it assists families and law enforcement in locating missing persons through specialized search operations, advanced sonar technology, underwater search capabilities and investigative support. - United Search Corps says it provides those services at no cost to families and is supported by individuals, businesses, foundations and community partners. - The organization included a video of the search here: Watch the search - More information about the nonprofit is available on its website

Between the lines: - The renewed search suggests the nonprofit believes the case still has actionable leads, even after decades. - The focus on public outreach signals that investigators and advocates may be trying to reach people who were silent in the past but may now be willing to speak. - The reference to organized crime and business ties underscores how the case has long been viewed as more than a routine missing-person investigation.

What's next: - United Search Corps hopes the renewed attention will prompt witnesses or former associates to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. - Any new tip could be reviewed against the existing case file and search findings. - The nonprofit is continuing to use the case to press for information that could help resolve Theresa Kawash's disappearance.

The bottom line: - Four decades later, Theresa Kawash's disappearance remains open, and United Search Corps is betting that one fresh tip could still change the case.