A Wall Street Journal reporter and father of two has gone missing since last weekend and is being massively searched for in New Jersey, family members said.

David Bird, an energy markets reporter for the WSJ, informed his wife at about 4:30 p.m. last Saturday that he was heading out for a quick walk near his home in Long Hill Township, N.J., Yahoo News reported.

When the 55-year-old, who left both his cellphone and medication at home, didn't return after two hours, his wife reported him to be missing, family members said.

"He told his wife he was going for a short walk before the rain," Nancy Bird's sister, Chris Fleming, told ABC News. "He ran a marathon in November. He was very physical. He bikes and he has done triathlons. He wanted to go outside. It was completely within character."

Fleming said that apart from scoping out routes Bird was known to walk or hike on, the police has been concentrating on a wooded area called Hicks Tract near the Bird home, Yahoo News reported.

Hundreds of people, including volunteers, and helicopters, all-terrain vehicles, horses and dogs have been included to help in the around the clock search. The Passaic River is being searched by divers.

"The whole town is on alert," Fleming said.

According to Yahoo News, the family is also worried that Bird, who received a liver transplant nine years ago, is without his necessary medications, Fleming said. Last seen wearing a red raincoat, and a plaid yellow fleece with jeans and sneakers, he's 6-foot-1, weighs 200 pounds, has blue eyes and gray hair.

"We all love him dearly," Fleming said. "He's just funny and everyone loves being around him. That's why the whole community is pouring out to find him."

According to the WSJ, no evidence of foul play has been found, Long Hill Police Chief Michael Mazzeo said.

"We're just befuddled by how little we have to go on," he told the Journal.

Gerard Baker, Dow Jones editor in chief and managing editor of the WSJ, said the paper had been cooperating with the search efforts.

"Mr. Bird is a longtime member of the Dow Jones newsroom," Baker said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his family, and we are working with the Long Hill Township Police Department as they continue their search."

Bird's family is grateful for all the help and support they have been receiving during this stressful time. They are trying to stay positive, Yahoo News reported.

"It is rare that a person realizes how amazing, loving and supportive their family, friends and entire community can be," Nancy Bird said in a statement. "Your prayers, positive thoughts and visits are keeping me strong for the kids and energizing my faith in David's safe return home." 

According to Yahoo News, the family is urging anyone with leads or information on David Bird to call the Long Hill Township police department at 908-647-1800.