Newton death not suspicious

By Nathan Mayberg
NEWTON — The Sussex County Prosecutor's Office does not presently believe there was foul play in the death of a 53-year-old Newton man found in a parking lot last week.

Thomas Thum, 53, was found dead in the parking lot of Newton Pizza at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 6 by a deliveryman, Sussex County First Assistant Prosecutor Gregory Mueller said.

At this point, the prosecutor's office believes Thum died from a head injury he sustained falling in the parking lot.

However, Mueller cautioned that he was awaiting a report from the medical examiner's office before making an official ruling.

A toxicology report is also pending.

Mueller said there is a hill near the back of the lot where there is little lighting, which could have been a factor in Thum's death.

"Based on the investigation, there was nothing suspicious about the death," Mueller said.

Newton police, state police and the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office investigated the death.