Coroner News Brief
Coroner News Brief
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office is investigating an industrial incident that claimed the life of an Odell resident.
Callahan states his office was notified by Morris Hospital Emergency Department of a death which was the result of an industrial incident.
Preliminary investigation indicates two men were working at the Narvick Cement Plant located at 755 east Rt. 6. Both men were together at the time of the incident. It appears a large fin that is attached to a shaft was binding at the base of a large drum. While attempting to free up the fin and shaft, the unit broke free knocking one worker to the base of the drum. The individual is identified as 44-year-old Cory Umgelder of Odell. Callahan stated he was pronounced deceased at 0926 April 3, 2024.
The Morris Fire Department rapidly extracted Mr. Umgelder from the confined space to administer life saving measures and transport him to Morris Hospital.
This incident remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office along with OSHA.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office is investigating the death of a Coal City woman, who was discovered deceased outside of the Coal City Public Library, on Sunday morning, 01/14/2024.
A maintenance employee was checking the inside of the library building when he discovered a female unresponsive outside an entrance to the building. Coal City Police and Fire were summoned to Library at approximately 7:00 a.m.
Responders determined the female had no signs of life and the Coroner’s Office was notified.
Katherine E. Munchalfen, 41, was pronounced deceased at the scene at 8:09 a.m. by Callahan’s Office.
Preliminary investigation indicates that Ms. Munchalfen had been at a friend’s residence the afternoon and evening of Saturday, 01/13/2024, when for unknown reasons, she left abruptly at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Munchalfen reportedly left the friend’s residence walking and not dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.
An Autopsy is scheduled for this afternoon and is pending Toxicology.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and the Coal City Police Department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office is investigating the death of a Coal City woman, who was discovered deceased outside of the Coal City Public Library, on Sunday morning, 01/14/2024.
A maintenance employee was checking the inside of the library building when he discovered a female unresponsive outside an entrance to the building. Coal City Police and Fire were summoned to Library at approximately 7:00 a.m.
Responders determined the female had no signs of life and the Coroner’s Office was notified.
Katherine E. Munchalfen, 41, was pronounced deceased at the scene at 8:09 a.m. by Callahan’s Office.
Preliminary investigation indicates that Ms. Munchalfen had been at a friend’s residence the afternoon and evening of Saturday, 01/13/2024, when for unknown reasons, she left abruptly at approximately 8:00 p.m.
Munchalfen reportedly left the friend’s residence walking and not dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.
An Autopsy is scheduled for this afternoon and is pending Toxicology.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and the Coal City Police Department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office, along with the Office of the State Fire Marshal are investigating a fatal RV fire, which claimed two lives. The fire occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m., Wednesday, 11/29/23 in the parking lot of Love’s Travel Center, located at 8909 N. Brisbin Road, Morris.
Upon arrival, Morris Fire Protection District Firefighters discovered a fully engulfed RV. After extinguishing the fire, Firefighters discovered the remains of two unidentified victims.
Callahan’s office pronounced both victims deceased on scene at 3:46 a.m.
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning, 12/01/2023.
The fire remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Morris Police Department, Morris Fire Protection District and MABAS Division 15 Fire Investigators assisted at the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office, along with the Office of the State Fire Marshal are investigating a fatal RV fire, which claimed two lives. The fire occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m., Wednesday, 11/29/23 in the parking lot of Love’s Travel Center, located at 8909 N. Brisbin Road, Morris.
Upon arrival, Morris Fire Protection District Firefighters discovered a fully engulfed RV. After extinguishing the fire, Firefighters discovered the remains of two unidentified victims.
Callahan’s office pronounced both victims deceased on scene at 3:46 a.m.
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning, 12/01/2023.
The fire remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Morris Police Department, Morris Fire Protection District and MABAS Division 15 Fire Investigators assisted at the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a traffic crash that occurred Wednesday 11/15/23 claiming the life of a Minooka man. The location of the crash was the intersection of Sherill and Grove Road in rural Minooka.
Preliminary investigation indicates a semi tractor-trailer was south bound on Grove Road and entered the intersection while the eastbound pickup truck was entering the intersection. The pickup truck driven by 63-year-old Kenneth A. Bolte was pronounced dead at the scene at 1935. The intersection is marked with a stop sign for traffic on Grove Road and no traffic signs for east or westbound traffic on Sherill Road.
The crash remains under investigation by the Callahan’s Office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office. Minooka Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a traffic crash that occurred Wednesday 11/15/23 claiming the life of a Minooka man. The location of the crash was the intersection of Sherill and Grove Road in rural Minooka.
Preliminary investigation indicates a semi tractor-trailer was south bound on Grove Road and entered the intersection while the eastbound pickup truck was entering the intersection. The pickup truck driven by 63-year-old Kenneth A. Bolte was pronounced dead at the scene at 1935. The intersection is marked with a stop sign for traffic on Grove Road and no traffic signs for east or westbound traffic on Sherill Road.
The crash remains under investigation by the Callahan’s Office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office. Minooka Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan has completed the investigation into the shooting death of Alivia A. Schwab. Alivia was shot and killed by an officer with Morris Police Department on 09/29/2023 in the parking lot of her apartment complex.
Investigation by Illinois State Police Crime Scene unit and Callahan’s Office indicate Miss. Schwab was experiencing a mental health crisis while on the phone with the crisis hotline. As police arrived on the scene, Miss Schwab exited her apartment and began approaching officers in the parking lot while holding a knife in one hand and her cell phone in the other hand. As she approached the officers, one officer fires 4 rounds at Miss Schwab resulting in 3 striking her. Miss Schwab was pronounced dead at the scene.
A forensic autopsy and toxicology were completed along with many interviews. After a lengthy inquiry into this death investigation, Callahan has ruled the manner of death to be Homicide. Homicide by definition is the “death by the hands of another.”
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan has completed the investigation into the shooting death of Alivia A. Schwab. Alivia was shot and killed by an officer with Morris Police Department on 09/29/2023 in the parking lot of her apartment complex.
Investigation by Illinois State Police Crime Scene unit and Callahan’s Office indicate Miss. Schwab was experiencing a mental health crisis while on the phone with the crisis hotline. As police arrived on the scene, Miss Schwab exited her apartment and began approaching officers in the parking lot while holding a knife in one hand and her cell phone in the other hand. As she approached the officers, one officer fires 4 rounds at Miss Schwab resulting in 3 striking her. Miss Schwab was pronounced dead at the scene.
A forensic autopsy and toxicology were completed along with many interviews. After a lengthy inquiry into this death investigation, Callahan has ruled the manner of death to be Homicide. Homicide by definition is the “death by the hands of another.”
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a crash Sunday evening that claimed the life of a 16-year-old Morris High School student.
The crash occurred in the 4900 block of Cemetery Road east of Morris shortly after 8:00 pm Sunday evening 11/05/2023. Preliminary investigation indicates a car traveling westbound on Cemetery Road when for unknown reasons the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle traveled into the south ditch and struck a tree. Callahan states the passenger Giovanni A. Lara 16, of Morris was killed upon impact and was pronounced dead at the scene 9:15 pm. The driver of the vehicle was transported to Morris Hospital.
The crash remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department. Morris Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a crash Sunday evening that claimed the life of a 16-year-old Morris High School student.
The crash occurred in the 4900 block of Cemetery Road east of Morris shortly after 8:00 pm Sunday evening 11/05/2023. Preliminary investigation indicates a car traveling westbound on Cemetery Road when for unknown reasons the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle traveled into the south ditch and struck a tree. Callahan states the passenger Giovanni A. Lara 16, of Morris was killed upon impact and was pronounced dead at the scene 9:15 pm. The driver of the vehicle was transported to Morris Hospital.
The crash remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department. Morris Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office is releasing the identity of the female, who was killed in an officer-involved shooting, on Friday morning, 09/29/2023.
The victim has been identified as Alivia A. Schwab, 40, of Morris. Ms. Schwab was pronounced deceased at 11:23 a.m. at the scene.
An Autopsy was performed on Sunday morning, 10/01/2023. Preliminary Autopsy findings indicate that Ms. Schwab died of multiple gunshot wounds.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, as well as Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation and Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office is releasing the identity of the female, who was killed in an officer-involved shooting, on Friday morning, 09/29/2023.
The victim has been identified as Alivia A. Schwab, 40, of Morris. Ms. Schwab was pronounced deceased at 11:23 a.m. at the scene.
An Autopsy was performed on Sunday morning, 10/01/2023. Preliminary Autopsy findings indicate that Ms. Schwab died of multiple gunshot wounds.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, as well as Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation and Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a crash Saturday evening that claimed the life of a 56-year-old Minooka man.
The crash occurred at the intersection of O’Brien Road and Minooka Road. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Lucien Pideu Ngalamou had stopped at a stop sign for the southbound traffic of O’Brien Road. He then proceeded to turn east onto Minooka Road when his vehicle was struck by a westbound vehicle. More details of the crash will be made available after it is reconstructed by the Grundy Sheriff’s Department.
Mr. Ngalamou was a professor at Lewis University in Romeoville and was coming home from Church in Yorkville on Saturday evening. He was transported to the Morris Emergency Room where he died shortly before midnight.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a crash Saturday evening that claimed the life of a 56-year-old Minooka man.
The crash occurred at the intersection of O’Brien Road and Minooka Road. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Lucien Pideu Ngalamou had stopped at a stop sign for the southbound traffic of O’Brien Road. He then proceeded to turn east onto Minooka Road when his vehicle was struck by a westbound vehicle. More details of the crash will be made available after it is reconstructed by the Grundy Sheriff’s Department.
Mr. Ngalamou was a professor at Lewis University in Romeoville and was coming home from Church in Yorkville on Saturday evening. He was transported to the Morris Emergency Room where he died shortly before midnight.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan and Sheriff Ken Briley are releasing final details in the death investigation of Anthony W. Fehrenbacher.
A fisherman discovered a body, later identified as Fehrenbacher, in the water at the CECO club near Coal City on June 10th, 2023. Fehrenbacher was reported missing from Manhattan on May 26th, 2023. As Firefighters and Police personnel removed Fehrenbacher from the water, they observed an apparatus attached to him which allowed him to sink to the bottom of the lake.
A forensic examination was conducted on June 11th, 2023, results revealed Fehrenbacher had died of drowning. The forensic exam revealed no signs of trauma and toxicology showed therapeutic levels of prescribed medication.
An investigation continued for the next several weeks by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, Grundy County Coroner’s Office, and assistance from the Manhattan Police Department. After a thorough investigation and examination of evidence collected and multiple interviews, Grundy County Detectives found no evidence to lead them to any other conclusion other than Fehrenbacher took his own life.
Suicide is a very difficult manner of death for families and friends to accept or believe. Generally, we don’t release information on suicides however due to the media attention and the fact Fehrenbacher was reported missing, we feel the need to let the public know we found no foul play surrounding this death.
Sheriff Briley and Coroner Callahan asks you respect the Fehrenbacher family’s privacy regarding their family members loss.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan and Sheriff Ken Briley are releasing final details in the death investigation of Anthony W. Fehrenbacher.
A fisherman discovered a body, later identified as Fehrenbacher, in the water at the CECO club near Coal City on June 10th, 2023. Fehrenbacher was reported missing from Manhattan on May 26th, 2023. As Firefighters and Police personnel removed Fehrenbacher from the water, they observed an apparatus attached to him which allowed him to sink to the bottom of the lake.
A forensic examination was conducted on June 11th, 2023, results revealed Fehrenbacher had died of drowning. The forensic exam revealed no signs of trauma and toxicology showed therapeutic levels of prescribed medication.
An investigation continued for the next several weeks by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, Grundy County Coroner’s Office, and assistance from the Manhattan Police Department. After a thorough investigation and examination of evidence collected and multiple interviews, Grundy County Detectives found no evidence to lead them to any other conclusion other than Fehrenbacher took his own life.
Suicide is a very difficult manner of death for families and friends to accept or believe. Generally, we don’t release information on suicides however due to the media attention and the fact Fehrenbacher was reported missing, we feel the need to let the public know we found no foul play surrounding this death.
Sheriff Briley and Coroner Callahan asks you respect the Fehrenbacher family’s privacy regarding their family members loss.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office is investigating a fire Friday afternoon around 5:00pm in Diamond that claimed the life of a resident.
Preliminary investigation indicates a fire started in the residence of Richard and Valerie Morris who were both home at the time of the incident. According to the State Fire Marshall the fire started in or around the reclining chair where Mrs. Morris was sitting. Currently it is unclear the exact origin of the fire. Mr. Morris attempted to extinguish the fire but was overcome by smoke. An off-duty Coal City Fireman passing by the residence saw smoke and entered the residence. He was able to get Mr. Morris out of the residence, however, due to heavy smoke was unable to rescue Mrs. Morris.
Callahan states Mrs. Morris age 77 was pronounced deceased at 5:38 pm. Mr. Morris was transported to Morris ER where he was in good condition.
Coal City Fire Department and several other departments and Grundy Sheriff also assisted at the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office is investigating a fire Friday afternoon around 5:00pm in Diamond that claimed the life of a resident.
Preliminary investigation indicates a fire started in the residence of Richard and Valerie Morris who were both home at the time of the incident. According to the State Fire Marshall the fire started in or around the reclining chair where Mrs. Morris was sitting. Currently it is unclear the exact origin of the fire. Mr. Morris attempted to extinguish the fire but was overcome by smoke. An off-duty Coal City Fireman passing by the residence saw smoke and entered the residence. He was able to get Mr. Morris out of the residence, however, due to heavy smoke was unable to rescue Mrs. Morris.
Callahan states Mrs. Morris age 77 was pronounced deceased at 5:38 pm. Mr. Morris was transported to Morris ER where he was in good condition.
Coal City Fire Department and several other departments and Grundy Sheriff also assisted at the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the driver involved in the traffic crash Monday afternoon. The driver pronounced dead at the scene is identified as James L. Pheal 44 years of age from Aurora Illinois.
The traffic crash and cause of death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and ISP.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the driver involved in the traffic crash Monday afternoon. The driver pronounced dead at the scene is identified as James L. Pheal 44 years of age from Aurora Illinois.
The traffic crash and cause of death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and ISP.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Illinois State Police are investigating a traffic crash on Rt 113 east of Higgins Road.
Coroner Callahan states a vehicle driven by a 44-year-old Aurora man was east bound on Rt. 113 when he was passing a vehicle also traveling eastbound. In doing so, he struck an oncoming Com Ed utility truck that was westbound. After the collision the offending vehicle rolled several times coming to a rest in the south ditch of Rt. 113.
The identity of the driver is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.
The crash remains under investigation by ISP and the Coroner’s Office.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Illinois State Police are investigating a traffic crash on Rt 113 east of Higgins Road.
Coroner Callahan states a vehicle driven by a 44-year-old Aurora man was east bound on Rt. 113 when he was passing a vehicle also traveling eastbound. In doing so, he struck an oncoming Com Ed utility truck that was westbound. After the collision the offending vehicle rolled several times coming to a rest in the south ditch of Rt. 113.
The identity of the driver is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.
The crash remains under investigation by ISP and the Coroner’s Office.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office is investigating the death of an 82 year old man from Minooka that died as the result of a house fire.
The incident occurred Monday evening 1/16/23 around 8:00pm in rural Minooka. The victim Doit Ross was transported to the Morris Hospital where he passed away shortly after 10:00 pm.
No details about the cause of the fire is available at this time.
The Minooka Fire Department along with other agencies including the Illinois State Fire Marshall’s office is investigating.
No further details at this time.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office is investigating the death of an 82 year old man from Minooka that died as the result of a house fire.
The incident occurred Monday evening 1/16/23 around 8:00pm in rural Minooka. The victim Doit Ross was transported to the Morris Hospital where he passed away shortly after 10:00 pm.
No details about the cause of the fire is available at this time.
The Minooka Fire Department along with other agencies including the Illinois State Fire Marshall’s office is investigating.
No further details at this time.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a single vehicle traffic crash that claimed the life of a Morris man.
The incident was discovered by a passerby traveling on Saratoga Road south of Rt. 6 at approximately 0130 Monday 01/09/2023
Preliminary investigation indicates a pickup truck driven by 37 year old George Cox of Morris was southbound on Saratoga Road when he lost control of the vehicle a ¼ south of Nettle Creek Drive. The vehicle rolled onto its top with the driver, George Cox being ejected and pinned beneath the vehicle. Mr. Cox was pronounced dead at the scene at 0225.
Morris Fire and EMS assisted at the scene. The crash remains under investigation by Coroner’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a single vehicle traffic crash that claimed the life of a Morris man.
The incident was discovered by a passerby traveling on Saratoga Road south of Rt. 6 at approximately 0130 Monday 01/09/2023
Preliminary investigation indicates a pickup truck driven by 37 year old George Cox of Morris was southbound on Saratoga Road when he lost control of the vehicle a ¼ south of Nettle Creek Drive. The vehicle rolled onto its top with the driver, George Cox being ejected and pinned beneath the vehicle. Mr. Cox was pronounced dead at the scene at 0225.
Morris Fire and EMS assisted at the scene. The crash remains under investigation by Coroner’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office is investigating a pedestrian vs. Semi tractor. (no trailer) incident that claimed the life of a 20 year old Morris lady. The incident occurred around midnight Friday September 30th.
Callahan states Virginia Hayes was a passenger in a car traveling westbound on Pine Bluff and had developed some car problems. The driver pulled off of the road on Pine Bluff just west of the Grundy County Line. Virginia and the other ladies in the car were outside of the vehicle checking for the problem when Virginia stepped into the eastbound lane of traffic. She was struck by a semi (no trailer) owned by Dibble Trucking of Gardner. Virginia was transported to the Morris ER where she was pronounced dead upon arrival at 0048.
The incident remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, Grundy County Sheriff’s Dept and Illinois State Police Reconstruction Division.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office is investigating a pedestrian vs. Semi tractor. (no trailer) incident that claimed the life of a 20 year old Morris lady. The incident occurred around midnight Friday September 30th.
Callahan states Virginia Hayes was a passenger in a car traveling westbound on Pine Bluff and had developed some car problems. The driver pulled off of the road on Pine Bluff just west of the Grundy County Line. Virginia and the other ladies in the car were outside of the vehicle checking for the problem when Virginia stepped into the eastbound lane of traffic. She was struck by a semi (no trailer) owned by Dibble Trucking of Gardner. Virginia was transported to the Morris ER where she was pronounced dead upon arrival at 0048.
The incident remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, Grundy County Sheriff’s Dept and Illinois State Police Reconstruction Division.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is sharing a press release issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA.) This concerns the new “candy-like” rainbow fentanyl drug.
While we have not seen this “candy-like” drug here in Grundy County, there is an increase in the use of fentanyl overall. It is usually in the form of “cutting” or adding to other drugs for multiple reasons. Of course, the main reason is the addiction this fentanyl causes and that is why the drug cartel has come up with the “candy like” to target the younger population.
Callahan warns if you find this type of drug or the appearance of candy; please call your local law enforcement agency. You should not handle without gloves on, because fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin. While latex gloves will help, they should not be used if handling this drug for any length of time.
Callahan states his office wears a more protective nitrile glove that prevents this absorption.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is sharing a press release issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA.) This concerns the new “candy-like” rainbow fentanyl drug.
While we have not seen this “candy-like” drug here in Grundy County, there is an increase in the use of fentanyl overall. It is usually in the form of “cutting” or adding to other drugs for multiple reasons. Of course, the main reason is the addiction this fentanyl causes and that is why the drug cartel has come up with the “candy like” to target the younger population.
Callahan warns if you find this type of drug or the appearance of candy; please call your local law enforcement agency. You should not handle without gloves on, because fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin. While latex gloves will help, they should not be used if handling this drug for any length of time.
Callahan states his office wears a more protective nitrile glove that prevents this absorption.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office is investigating a death of a Naperville man. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon around 1430 hrs in the area of 1005 Quail Drive in Morris.
The owner of the property Chenping Ni 58 of Naperville and owner of the property at Quail Drive, was trimming tree limbs from a ladder. While trimming the tree, a limb came back and knocked Chenping off of the ladder causing him to fall to the ground. Mr. Ni was transported the Morris ER where he was pronounced deceased at 1549 hours.
Callahan states this appears to be a tragic and freak accident and the incident remains under investigation.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office is investigating a death of a Naperville man. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon around 1430 hrs in the area of 1005 Quail Drive in Morris.
The owner of the property Chenping Ni 58 of Naperville and owner of the property at Quail Drive, was trimming tree limbs from a ladder. While trimming the tree, a limb came back and knocked Chenping off of the ladder causing him to fall to the ground. Mr. Ni was transported the Morris ER where he was pronounced deceased at 1549 hours.
Callahan states this appears to be a tragic and freak accident and the incident remains under investigation.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the names of the two individuals that were killed in a traffic crash on I 80 Friday 8/12/2022 late afternoon.
Preliminary investigation indicates a midsize vehicle driven by Sofiane Bessai (male) 33 of Elgin was westbound on I-80 along with a passenger Brayan Mauricio Jimenez Velasquez (male) 26 of Columbia (country) when Sofiane lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crossed through the median and was struck broadside by a semi-tractor trailer traveling eastbound. That semi flipped onto its side and traveled partially through the median and partially into the westbound lane of traffic where the tractor portion hit another semi-tractor trailer traveling westbound.
Both Sofiane and Brayan were killed on impact and pronounced deceased at 1800 hrs.
Both had to be extricated by Morris Fire Department.
Crash remains under investigation by Illinois State Police.
An examination will take place later today.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the names of the two individuals that were killed in a traffic crash on I 80 Friday 8/12/2022 late afternoon.
Preliminary investigation indicates a midsize vehicle driven by Sofiane Bessai (male) 33 of Elgin was westbound on I-80 along with a passenger Brayan Mauricio Jimenez Velasquez (male) 26 of Columbia (country) when Sofiane lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crossed through the median and was struck broadside by a semi-tractor trailer traveling eastbound. That semi flipped onto its side and traveled partially through the median and partially into the westbound lane of traffic where the tractor portion hit another semi-tractor trailer traveling westbound.
Both Sofiane and Brayan were killed on impact and pronounced deceased at 1800 hrs.
Both had to be extricated by Morris Fire Department.
Crash remains under investigation by Illinois State Police.
An examination will take place later today.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the individual that was a victim of a shooting on the evening of the 4th of August.
Callahan states the individual was taken to Morris Hospital ER where she was pronounced deceased at 1855 hrs on August 4. She is identified as Beverly A. Lambert, age 25 of Shorewood, Il.
No other details are available at this time.
An examination will take place later today.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the individual that was a victim of a shooting on the evening of the 4th of August.
Callahan states the individual was taken to Morris Hospital ER where she was pronounced deceased at 1855 hrs on August 4. She is identified as Beverly A. Lambert, age 25 of Shorewood, Il.
No other details are available at this time.
An examination will take place later today.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the individual killed in the traffic crash on Thursday January 27, 2022.
Christine E. Baker 61 of Morris was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:00 am Thursday morning.
The crash remains under investigation.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the individual killed in the traffic crash on Thursday January 27, 2022.
Christine E. Baker 61 of Morris was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:00 am Thursday morning.
The crash remains under investigation.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office along with Grundy Sheriff’s Dept. is investigating a crash on Rt. 47 in front of 9450 IL 47, Dwight that claimed the life of a Morris woman.
The incident occurred Thursday morning January 27, 2022 around 0900 hours.
Coroner Callahan states preliminary finding indicate a semi-tractor trailer traveling northbound on Rt. 47 when a vehicle exited a driveway. The semi was unable to stop, striking the vehicle in the driver’s side.
The name of the deceased individual is not being released until next of kin has been notified.
Dwight Fire/EMS assisted at the scene. Investigation continues with an examination scheduled for Friday.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office along with Grundy Sheriff’s Dept. is investigating a crash on Rt. 47 in front of 9450 IL 47, Dwight that claimed the life of a Morris woman.
The incident occurred Thursday morning January 27, 2022 around 0900 hours.
Coroner Callahan states preliminary finding indicate a semi-tractor trailer traveling northbound on Rt. 47 when a vehicle exited a driveway. The semi was unable to stop, striking the vehicle in the driver’s side.
The name of the deceased individual is not being released until next of kin has been notified.
Dwight Fire/EMS assisted at the scene. Investigation continues with an examination scheduled for Friday.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan, along with the Braidwood Police Department and Illinois State Police are investigating a traffic crash that claimed the life of a 36-year-old Braidwood man.
Callahan states that on Thursday, 01/13/2022, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Braidwood Police Department and Braidwood Fire Protection District responded to a motor vehicle vs pedestrian crash, near the intersection of Novy Road and Amenity Center Drive in Reed Township.
Authorities discovered that a vehicle that had been traveling southbound on Novy Road had struck two pedestrians, leaving one of them critically injured. Both pedestrians were transported by ambulance to Morris Hospital.
Wayne K. Biros, 36, was pronounced deceased in the emergency department at 6:27 p.m.
The other pedestrian was treated and released,
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office, the Braidwood Police Department and Illinois State Police.
An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday morning, 01/15/2022.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan, along with the Braidwood Police Department and Illinois State Police are investigating a traffic crash that claimed the life of a 36-year-old Braidwood man.
Callahan states that on Thursday, 01/13/2022, at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Braidwood Police Department and Braidwood Fire Protection District responded to a motor vehicle vs pedestrian crash, near the intersection of Novy Road and Amenity Center Drive in Reed Township.
Authorities discovered that a vehicle that had been traveling southbound on Novy Road had struck two pedestrians, leaving one of them critically injured. Both pedestrians were transported by ambulance to Morris Hospital.
Wayne K. Biros, 36, was pronounced deceased in the emergency department at 6:27 p.m.
The other pedestrian was treated and released,
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office, the Braidwood Police Department and Illinois State Police.
An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday morning, 01/15/2022.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Coal City Police Department are investigating a traffic crash that claimed the life of a 61 year old Coal City man.
Callahan states the incident began on Oak Street east of Marguerite Street. The vehicle, driven by 61 year old Dan Doglio was westbound on Oak when Mr. Doglio suffered a fatal heart attack. The vehicle veered off roadway into resident’s yards in the next two blocks before striking a culvert in the drainage ditch. The vehicle then flipped onto its side on the west bank of the ditch which is located just east of Elizabeth Street.
Mr. Doglio was pronounced dead at the scene.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and Coal City Police Department. Coal City Fire Department assisted at the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Coal City Police Department are investigating a traffic crash that claimed the life of a 61 year old Coal City man.
Callahan states the incident began on Oak Street east of Marguerite Street. The vehicle, driven by 61 year old Dan Doglio was westbound on Oak when Mr. Doglio suffered a fatal heart attack. The vehicle veered off roadway into resident’s yards in the next two blocks before striking a culvert in the drainage ditch. The vehicle then flipped onto its side on the west bank of the ditch which is located just east of Elizabeth Street.
Mr. Doglio was pronounced dead at the scene.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and Coal City Police Department. Coal City Fire Department assisted at the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a structure fire that claimed the life of a Carbon Hill woman.
The Coal City Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire in the 900 block of Judson Street, shortly after 9 a.m. on Friday, 1/7/2022. Firefighters arrived and discovered a working fire, with the homeowner unresponsive inside of the residence.
Phyllis V. Richardson, 91, was pronounced deceased at the scene at 10:07 a.m.
An Autopsy was performed Friday afternoon and is pending toxicology.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, Coal City Fire Protection District and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a structure fire that claimed the life of a Carbon Hill woman.
The Coal City Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire in the 900 block of Judson Street, shortly after 9 a.m. on Friday, 1/7/2022. Firefighters arrived and discovered a working fire, with the homeowner unresponsive inside of the residence.
Phyllis V. Richardson, 91, was pronounced deceased at the scene at 10:07 a.m.
An Autopsy was performed Friday afternoon and is pending toxicology.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, Grundy County Sheriff’s Office, Coal City Fire Protection District and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office, along with Illinois State Police District 5 is reminding people not to drink and drive.
Callahan states that if you feel that you need to overindulge in alcoholic beverages, have a designated driver within your party. There are many options, such as Uber, Lyft or sober friends.
All law enforcement agencies have additional enforcement in the upcoming holiday weekend.
Aside from the consequences of an arrest, the Coroner’s Office sees firsthand way too often the results of overconsumption of alcohol and or drugs. We encourage everyone to enjoy and bring in the New Year on a safe and positive note.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office, along with Illinois State Police District 5 is reminding people not to drink and drive.
Callahan states that if you feel that you need to overindulge in alcoholic beverages, have a designated driver within your party. There are many options, such as Uber, Lyft or sober friends.
All law enforcement agencies have additional enforcement in the upcoming holiday weekend.
Aside from the consequences of an arrest, the Coroner’s Office sees firsthand way too often the results of overconsumption of alcohol and or drugs. We encourage everyone to enjoy and bring in the New Year on a safe and positive note.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is releasing the identity of an Ottawa woman, whose vehicle was discovered in the water at Heidecke Lake, on Saturday morning, 12-18-21.
Natalie C. Conrad, 26, was pronounced deceased at 6:35 a.m. by Callahan.
An autopsy was performed on Sunday afternoon and results are pending toxicology and further investigation by Callahan’s Office, IL Department of Natural Resources and IL State Police.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is releasing the identity of an Ottawa woman, whose vehicle was discovered in the water at Heidecke Lake, on Saturday morning, 12-18-21.
Natalie C. Conrad, 26, was pronounced deceased at 6:35 a.m. by Callahan.
An autopsy was performed on Sunday afternoon and results are pending toxicology and further investigation by Callahan’s Office, IL Department of Natural Resources and IL State Police.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating the death of an Ottawa woman, whose vehicle was found in the water at Heidecke Lake on 12-18-21. The 26-year-old Ottawa woman’s vehicle was discovered partially submerged, near the boat ramps, by hunters shortly before 5:30 a.m.
The decedent was pronounced deceased at the scene by Callahan. The identity of the woman is being withheld, pending notification to next-of-kin.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, IL Department of Natural Resources and IL State Police.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating the death of an Ottawa woman, whose vehicle was found in the water at Heidecke Lake on 12-18-21. The 26-year-old Ottawa woman’s vehicle was discovered partially submerged, near the boat ramps, by hunters shortly before 5:30 a.m.
The decedent was pronounced deceased at the scene by Callahan. The identity of the woman is being withheld, pending notification to next-of-kin.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, IL Department of Natural Resources and IL State Police.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Illinois State Police are investigating a traffic crash that occurred Friday evening around 8:00 pm at mile post 110.2.
Preliminary investigation indicates there were four vehicles involved. Two vehicles were westbound when one was passing the other. In the process the vehicles came in contact with each other sending both units into the median and then continued into the eastbound lanes. This is when both units struck two vehicles eastbound lane head on. Coroner Callahan states one of the vehicles traveling eastbound was driven by Carsen R. Smith, age 18 of Grand Ridge. Mr. Smith’s vehicle came to rest on it’s side in the south ditch. Due to the damage of the vehicle, Mr. Smith was pinned in the vehicle as it caught fire. Mr. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene at 2355 by Callahan. His passenger was ejected from the vehicle.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Illinois State Police. Morris Fire and EMS along with several other EMS units assisted at the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Illinois State Police are investigating a traffic crash that occurred Friday evening around 8:00 pm at mile post 110.2.
Preliminary investigation indicates there were four vehicles involved. Two vehicles were westbound when one was passing the other. In the process the vehicles came in contact with each other sending both units into the median and then continued into the eastbound lanes. This is when both units struck two vehicles eastbound lane head on. Coroner Callahan states one of the vehicles traveling eastbound was driven by Carsen R. Smith, age 18 of Grand Ridge. Mr. Smith’s vehicle came to rest on it’s side in the south ditch. Due to the damage of the vehicle, Mr. Smith was pinned in the vehicle as it caught fire. Mr. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene at 2355 by Callahan. His passenger was ejected from the vehicle.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Illinois State Police. Morris Fire and EMS along with several other EMS units assisted at the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is releasing the name of the individual killed in yesterday morning’s motorcycle crash.
Tyler E. O’Neill, 32, a resident of Gardner, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Callahan at 9:00 a.m.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is releasing the name of the individual killed in yesterday morning’s motorcycle crash.
Tyler E. O’Neill, 32, a resident of Gardner, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Callahan at 9:00 a.m.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Office.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a motorcycle crash that was discovered early Sunday morning September 12, 2021. The incident claimed the life of a 38 year old Gardner man.
The motorcycle was discovered in a grassy area off Berta Road south of Spring Road. Preliminary investigation appears the driver was westbound approaching the curve when he failed to negotiate the curve and went through a ditch and into a large grass area.
The name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The crash remains under investigation with the Sheriff’s Department and the Coroner’s Office.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a motorcycle crash that was discovered early Sunday morning September 12, 2021. The incident claimed the life of a 38 year old Gardner man.
The motorcycle was discovered in a grassy area off Berta Road south of Spring Road. Preliminary investigation appears the driver was westbound approaching the curve when he failed to negotiate the curve and went through a ditch and into a large grass area.
The name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The crash remains under investigation with the Sheriff’s Department and the Coroner’s Office.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office along with Morris Police are investigating a traffic crash involving a van and motorcycle. The crash occurred just before 2 pm Wednesday 8/25/2021on East Rt. 6 at the entrance to the Department of Motor Vehicle transportation office parking lot.
Preliminary investigation indicates a motorcycle driven by 27 year old David T. Stickel of Bonefield, Illinois was eastbound on Rt. 6 when he struck a van exiting the DMV center parking lot. Callahan states Mr. Stickel was pronounced dead at the scene at 1420.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and Morris Police Department. Grundy County Sheriff’s department is reconstructing the crash. Also assisted by the Morris Fire Department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office along with Morris Police are investigating a traffic crash involving a van and motorcycle. The crash occurred just before 2 pm Wednesday 8/25/2021on East Rt. 6 at the entrance to the Department of Motor Vehicle transportation office parking lot.
Preliminary investigation indicates a motorcycle driven by 27 year old David T. Stickel of Bonefield, Illinois was eastbound on Rt. 6 when he struck a van exiting the DMV center parking lot. Callahan states Mr. Stickel was pronounced dead at the scene at 1420.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and Morris Police Department. Grundy County Sheriff’s department is reconstructing the crash. Also assisted by the Morris Fire Department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office is investigating a traffic crash that claimed the life of two individuals. The crash occurred on Rt. 47 in front of the Grundy County Fairgrounds Friday just after 1300hrs. . 8/20/2021
Preliminary investigation indicates a car was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of traffic when it struck a vehicle traveling northbound. The northbound vehicle was driven by 57 year old Timothy L. Shride of Happy Valley, Oregon and had one passenger in the front seat. Callahan states Mr. Shride was pronounced dead at the scene and his passenger (wife) was transported to Morris Hospital. It appears that there was a vehicle northbound in front of Mr. Shride and that unit swerved to avoid being hit by the wrong way driver giving Mr. Shride no time to avoid the crash.
The southbound vehicle was driven by 75 year old Sandra L. Viola of Arlington Heights, IL. Mrs. Viola was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. She was alone in the car at the time of the crash. Callahan states Mrs. Viola may have been experiencing a medical event prior to the crash.
The crash is being investigated by Callahan’s Office along with Morris Police department. Grundy Sheriff’s Department is reconstructing the crash. Assisting agencies were Morris Fire and Ambulance and Illinois State Police
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office is investigating a traffic crash that claimed the life of two individuals. The crash occurred on Rt. 47 in front of the Grundy County Fairgrounds Friday just after 1300hrs. . 8/20/2021
Preliminary investigation indicates a car was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of traffic when it struck a vehicle traveling northbound. The northbound vehicle was driven by 57 year old Timothy L. Shride of Happy Valley, Oregon and had one passenger in the front seat. Callahan states Mr. Shride was pronounced dead at the scene and his passenger (wife) was transported to Morris Hospital. It appears that there was a vehicle northbound in front of Mr. Shride and that unit swerved to avoid being hit by the wrong way driver giving Mr. Shride no time to avoid the crash.
The southbound vehicle was driven by 75 year old Sandra L. Viola of Arlington Heights, IL. Mrs. Viola was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. She was alone in the car at the time of the crash. Callahan states Mrs. Viola may have been experiencing a medical event prior to the crash.
The crash is being investigated by Callahan’s Office along with Morris Police department. Grundy Sheriff’s Department is reconstructing the crash. Assisting agencies were Morris Fire and Ambulance and Illinois State Police
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office along with Sheriff’s department are investigating a crash Saturday 8/7/2021 afternoon that claimed the life of a six year old girl.
The crash occurred just before 1:30 pm in Gardner. A vehicle driven by the child’s mother was northbound on Rt. 66 when she approached the stop sign intersecting with Rt. 53. Preliminary investigation indicates she lost control of the vehicle and rolled several times coming to a final rest in the grassy field adjacent to the Gardner American Legion. The child was ejected from the vehicle and later transported to Morris Hospital. Coroner Callahan states Ryliegh Williams suffered multiple blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival of the Emergency Room. Records indicate the family was not from the area.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office along with Sheriff’s department are investigating a crash Saturday 8/7/2021 afternoon that claimed the life of a six year old girl.
The crash occurred just before 1:30 pm in Gardner. A vehicle driven by the child’s mother was northbound on Rt. 66 when she approached the stop sign intersecting with Rt. 53. Preliminary investigation indicates she lost control of the vehicle and rolled several times coming to a final rest in the grassy field adjacent to the Gardner American Legion. The child was ejected from the vehicle and later transported to Morris Hospital. Coroner Callahan states Ryliegh Williams suffered multiple blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival of the Emergency Room. Records indicate the family was not from the area.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the 56 year old Braceville man that died Saturday afternoon in a kayak incident in Shadow Lakes.
Richard R. Smith was pronounced at 1552 in the Morris ER where he was transported by Coal City EMS. Callahan states at this time it is unclear exactly what happened as Mr. Smith was alone in the area at the time of the incident. An autopsy is taking place Sunday morning
The investigation is ongoing with Callahan’s Office and the Illinois Conservation Police.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the 56 year old Braceville man that died Saturday afternoon in a kayak incident in Shadow Lakes.
Richard R. Smith was pronounced at 1552 in the Morris ER where he was transported by Coal City EMS. Callahan states at this time it is unclear exactly what happened as Mr. Smith was alone in the area at the time of the incident. An autopsy is taking place Sunday morning
The investigation is ongoing with Callahan’s Office and the Illinois Conservation Police.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office along with Department of Natural Resources is investigating a possible drowning in Shadow Lakes in Braidwood.
The incident occurred around 1330 Saturday afternoon in Shadow Lakes. The details at this time are very sketchy but a 56 year old Braceville man was found floating in the water near his kyak.
CPR was started on the scene and the individual was transported to Morris ER by Coal City EMS and pronounced at the ER at 1552.
Coroner Callahan states the name of the individual will be released tomorrow after all immediate next of kin are notified.
Callahan’s office along with Conservation Police are investigating the incident.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office along with Department of Natural Resources is investigating a possible drowning in Shadow Lakes in Braidwood.
The incident occurred around 1330 Saturday afternoon in Shadow Lakes. The details at this time are very sketchy but a 56 year old Braceville man was found floating in the water near his kyak.
CPR was started on the scene and the individual was transported to Morris ER by Coal City EMS and pronounced at the ER at 1552.
Coroner Callahan states the name of the individual will be released tomorrow after all immediate next of kin are notified.
Callahan’s office along with Conservation Police are investigating the incident.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office is investigating a traffic crash late Friday afternoon 7/2/21 on I55 MP 229 that claimed the life of a St. Louis man.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle driven by 49 year old Derrel James Warner was traveling northbound on 55 when he lost control of his vehicle and traveled through the median into the path of jeep traveling southbound. Mr. Warner’s vehicle struck the jeep head on and then rotated and was struck by a semi-tractor trailer southbound. He was then ejected and was pronounced dead at the scene by Callahan.
The investigation is ongoing with Callahan’s Office and the Illinois State Police Dist 5.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office is investigating a traffic crash late Friday afternoon 7/2/21 on I55 MP 229 that claimed the life of a St. Louis man.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle driven by 49 year old Derrel James Warner was traveling northbound on 55 when he lost control of his vehicle and traveled through the median into the path of jeep traveling southbound. Mr. Warner’s vehicle struck the jeep head on and then rotated and was struck by a semi-tractor trailer southbound. He was then ejected and was pronounced dead at the scene by Callahan.
The investigation is ongoing with Callahan’s Office and the Illinois State Police Dist 5.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is releasing the name of the individual found dead in a car in Dwight Monday afternoon.
The victim is Juanita Holliman age 81 of Chicago. The manner of death is being ruled a homicide and a suspect is in custody with Chicago Police Department.
This investigation is ongoing with several agencies listed in previous release.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is releasing the name of the individual found dead in a car in Dwight Monday afternoon.
The victim is Juanita Holliman age 81 of Chicago. The manner of death is being ruled a homicide and a suspect is in custody with Chicago Police Department.
This investigation is ongoing with several agencies listed in previous release.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating a subject being found deceased in a car in Dwight on Northbrook Drive east of Rt. 47.
Preliminary investigation indicates the actual incident may have occurred in Chicago. The investigation is ongoing by Callahan’s Office, Dwight Police, Grundy Sheriff and Chicago Police Department. No name is being released at this time.
Callahan’s office is also investigating a traffic crash that occurred in Kendall County. The individual was transported to Morris ER and pronounced in the ER at 1626 this Monday 6/27/21 America Rodriquez age 27 of Aurora was pronounced at the Morris Hospital ER. No details available on the crash other than it occurred on Rt 71 and Ottawa Road near Newark.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating a subject being found deceased in a car in Dwight on Northbrook Drive east of Rt. 47.
Preliminary investigation indicates the actual incident may have occurred in Chicago. The investigation is ongoing by Callahan’s Office, Dwight Police, Grundy Sheriff and Chicago Police Department. No name is being released at this time.
Callahan’s office is also investigating a traffic crash that occurred in Kendall County. The individual was transported to Morris ER and pronounced in the ER at 1626 this Monday 6/27/21 America Rodriquez age 27 of Aurora was pronounced at the Morris Hospital ER. No details available on the crash other than it occurred on Rt 71 and Ottawa Road near Newark.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office along with Dist. 5 State Police is investigating a motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a Joliet man. The crash occurred Wednesday morning June 9, 2021, at mile post 125 on I-80 in the westbound lane.
Preliminary investigation indicates a motor cycle driven by Devon J. Wade age 25 of Joliet was westbound I 80 when witnesses state a semi-tractor trailer came in front of the motorcycle forcing Mr. Wade to lose control of his cycle. The cycle traveled into the safety wire and Mr. Wade was ejected from the cycle. EMS Troy Ambulance transported Mr. Wade to the Morris ER where he was pronounced dead at 0815 hours. There was no evidence of a helmet being worn by Devon.
The investigation is ongoing with Callahan’s Office and the Illinois State Police Dist 5.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s office along with Dist. 5 State Police is investigating a motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a Joliet man. The crash occurred Wednesday morning June 9, 2021, at mile post 125 on I-80 in the westbound lane.
Preliminary investigation indicates a motor cycle driven by Devon J. Wade age 25 of Joliet was westbound I 80 when witnesses state a semi-tractor trailer came in front of the motorcycle forcing Mr. Wade to lose control of his cycle. The cycle traveled into the safety wire and Mr. Wade was ejected from the cycle. EMS Troy Ambulance transported Mr. Wade to the Morris ER where he was pronounced dead at 0815 hours. There was no evidence of a helmet being worn by Devon.
The investigation is ongoing with Callahan’s Office and the Illinois State Police Dist 5.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating a traffic crash near Gardner Thursday afternoon that claimed the life of a 25 year old.
The incident occurred around 1650 hrs on Filman Road ¾ miles south of Grinter Road. Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle driven by Kade Smith of Gardner, was traveling northbound when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle traveled thru a small ditch and then rolled several times before coming to a rest on its top. Mr. Smith was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene at 1736 by Callahan. A passenger was transported to Morris Hospital.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Gardner Fire Department assisted at the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating a traffic crash near Gardner Thursday afternoon that claimed the life of a 25 year old.
The incident occurred around 1650 hrs on Filman Road ¾ miles south of Grinter Road. Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle driven by Kade Smith of Gardner, was traveling northbound when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle traveled thru a small ditch and then rolled several times before coming to a rest on its top. Mr. Smith was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene at 1736 by Callahan. A passenger was transported to Morris Hospital.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office and Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Gardner Fire Department assisted at the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office is investigating a farming incident that claimed the life of a 69 year old Braceville man.
Michael A. Perino 69 of rural Braceville was found on the ground alongside of his tractor around 11:30 am Saturday 4/3/2021.
Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Perino may have been working on his tractor to get in started when the incident occurred. It appears the tractor rolled or lunged forward going over top of Mr. Perino. Mr. Perino died at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office. Gardner and Braceville Fire assisted at the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office is investigating a farming incident that claimed the life of a 69 year old Braceville man.
Michael A. Perino 69 of rural Braceville was found on the ground alongside of his tractor around 11:30 am Saturday 4/3/2021.
Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Perino may have been working on his tractor to get in started when the incident occurred. It appears the tractor rolled or lunged forward going over top of Mr. Perino. Mr. Perino died at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation by Callahan’s Office. Gardner and Braceville Fire assisted at the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along Will County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the death of a 35 year old Gardner man formerly of Coal City.
The traffic crash occurred on Lorenzo Road ¼ east of the Will/Grundy county line at approximately 2330 hrs on Saturday the 27th of March. Preliminary investigation indicates a car driven by John R. Inocencio was eastbound on Lorenzo Road when it crossed the center line and was struck by a westbound vehicle. Wilmington Fire/EMS arrived and extricated Mr. Inocencio from the car and transported him to Morris Hospital ER where Callahan reports he was pronounced deceased at 0026 Sunday morning the 28th.
The crash and death of Mr. Inocencio remains under investigation by Will County Sheriff’s Department and Grundy County Coroner’s Office.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along Will County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the death of a 35 year old Gardner man formerly of Coal City.
The traffic crash occurred on Lorenzo Road ¼ east of the Will/Grundy county line at approximately 2330 hrs on Saturday the 27th of March. Preliminary investigation indicates a car driven by John R. Inocencio was eastbound on Lorenzo Road when it crossed the center line and was struck by a westbound vehicle. Wilmington Fire/EMS arrived and extricated Mr. Inocencio from the car and transported him to Morris Hospital ER where Callahan reports he was pronounced deceased at 0026 Sunday morning the 28th.
The crash and death of Mr. Inocencio remains under investigation by Will County Sheriff’s Department and Grundy County Coroner’s Office.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the victim in the fatal crash that was discovered Friday 3/5/21 in Grundy County.
Felicia Hall age 28 was reported missing from Dwight on Wednesday the 3rd of March. She was last seen after leaving an establishment in the Dwight area. Friday afternoon her vehicle was discovered near the intersection of Skully Road and Campus Blktp. South of South Wilmington in Garfield Twp.
Felicia Hall was pronounced deceased at 1555 Friday 3/5/21. Notification of next of kin was initiated Friday evening and family completed their notification early Saturday 3/6/21.
The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department along with Dwight Police Department investigating the missing person report and Callahan’s office with the death investigation.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the victim in the fatal crash that was discovered Friday 3/5/21 in Grundy County.
Felicia Hall age 28 was reported missing from Dwight on Wednesday the 3rd of March. She was last seen after leaving an establishment in the Dwight area. Friday afternoon her vehicle was discovered near the intersection of Skully Road and Campus Blktp. South of South Wilmington in Garfield Twp.
Felicia Hall was pronounced deceased at 1555 Friday 3/5/21. Notification of next of kin was initiated Friday evening and family completed their notification early Saturday 3/6/21.
The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department along with Dwight Police Department investigating the missing person report and Callahan’s office with the death investigation.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a traffic crash that occurred near Skully Road and Campus Blktp in Garfield Twp. It appears the vehicle was traveling east bound on Skully Road when the driver failed to negotiate the curve. The vehicle traveled several hundred feet thru a grass area before striking the underside of the bridge that is on Campus Blktp. The vehicle’s final resting spot was in the creek beneath the bridge.
Preliminary investigation indicates the crash occurred 24 to 48 hours prior to being found midafternoon on Friday the 5th of March. The identity of the female driver is being withheld until notification of next of kin.
More details and the name of the driver may be released on Saturday March 6th. An autopsy is also being conducted over the weekend.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a traffic crash that occurred near Skully Road and Campus Blktp in Garfield Twp. It appears the vehicle was traveling east bound on Skully Road when the driver failed to negotiate the curve. The vehicle traveled several hundred feet thru a grass area before striking the underside of the bridge that is on Campus Blktp. The vehicle’s final resting spot was in the creek beneath the bridge.
Preliminary investigation indicates the crash occurred 24 to 48 hours prior to being found midafternoon on Friday the 5th of March. The identity of the female driver is being withheld until notification of next of kin.
More details and the name of the driver may be released on Saturday March 6th. An autopsy is also being conducted over the weekend.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a single-motor-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Galesburg man.
The crash was discovered on December 13, 2020 shortly after 7:00 a.m. in the area of West Bluff Road and West Route 6, near Seneca. The driver was transported to Morris Hospital for his injuries by Seneca EMS.
Clarence A. Collier, 35 was pronounced deceased in the Emergency Department shortly after 8:00am on December 13th.
Preliminary investigation shows the decedent was traveling on West Route 6, when for an unknown reason lost control of his vehicle.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, the Seneca Police Department and Grundy County Sheriff’s Office.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a single-motor-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Galesburg man.
The crash was discovered on December 13, 2020 shortly after 7:00 a.m. in the area of West Bluff Road and West Route 6, near Seneca. The driver was transported to Morris Hospital for his injuries by Seneca EMS.
Clarence A. Collier, 35 was pronounced deceased in the Emergency Department shortly after 8:00am on December 13th.
Preliminary investigation shows the decedent was traveling on West Route 6, when for an unknown reason lost control of his vehicle.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, the Seneca Police Department and Grundy County Sheriff’s Office.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office along Illinois State Police are investigating a freak traffic crash that claimed the life of a rural Sheridan man. The incident occurred Friday 10/23/2020 morning on Rt 71 near North 47 road near Newark in Kendall County.
A vehicle traveling southbound on Rt. 71 struck a deer which sent the deer into the air and into the path of an oncoming northbound vehicle being driven by 53-year-old Christopher T. Daly of Sheridan. The deer came through the windshield and struck Mr. Daly in the head causing serious injury. Mr. Daly was transported to Morris Hospital where he was pronounced dead in the Emergency Room.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Illinois State Police.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office along Illinois State Police are investigating a freak traffic crash that claimed the life of a rural Sheridan man. The incident occurred Friday 10/23/2020 morning on Rt 71 near North 47 road near Newark in Kendall County.
A vehicle traveling southbound on Rt. 71 struck a deer which sent the deer into the air and into the path of an oncoming northbound vehicle being driven by 53-year-old Christopher T. Daly of Sheridan. The deer came through the windshield and struck Mr. Daly in the head causing serious injury. Mr. Daly was transported to Morris Hospital where he was pronounced dead in the Emergency Room.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Illinois State Police.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a single motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a Pontiac man.
The incident occurred on September 19, 2020 shortly after 9pm on East 29th. Road near Seneca, LaSalle County but the driver was transported to Morris Hospital for his injuries by Seneca EMS.
John Martinez, 52 was pronounced in the Emergency Department shortly before 1:00am on September 20th.
Preliminary investigation shows the decedent was traveling South, on the North Hill, with a group of motorcycles. When for unknown reason misjudged the curve and was ejected off his bike, landing down the ravine.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Seneca Police Department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a single motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a Pontiac man.
The incident occurred on September 19, 2020 shortly after 9pm on East 29th. Road near Seneca, LaSalle County but the driver was transported to Morris Hospital for his injuries by Seneca EMS.
John Martinez, 52 was pronounced in the Emergency Department shortly before 1:00am on September 20th.
Preliminary investigation shows the decedent was traveling South, on the North Hill, with a group of motorcycles. When for unknown reason misjudged the curve and was ejected off his bike, landing down the ravine.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Seneca Police Department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the individual killed in a motorcycle vs van crash near Minooka Monday 9/7/2020.
Pronounced dead at the scene is 34 year old Larry D. Walker of Joliet. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Walker was northbound on McLinden Road with a group of motorcycles when Mr. Walker accelerated and went out ahead of the other bikes. Mr. Walker approached the intersection of McLinden and Rt. 6 when he failed to stop at the stop sign. In doing so, he struck the side of van that was traveling westbound on Rt. 6. Mr. Walker was thrown from his motorcycle and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet.
The incident remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and Minooka Police. Assisting agencies were Minooka Fire, Grundy Sheriff’s Dept. and Will County reconstruction team.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the individual killed in a motorcycle vs van crash near Minooka Monday 9/7/2020.
Pronounced dead at the scene is 34 year old Larry D. Walker of Joliet. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Walker was northbound on McLinden Road with a group of motorcycles when Mr. Walker accelerated and went out ahead of the other bikes. Mr. Walker approached the intersection of McLinden and Rt. 6 when he failed to stop at the stop sign. In doing so, he struck the side of van that was traveling westbound on Rt. 6. Mr. Walker was thrown from his motorcycle and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet.
The incident remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and Minooka Police. Assisting agencies were Minooka Fire, Grundy Sheriff’s Dept. and Will County reconstruction team.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along Minooka Police Department is investigating a motorcycle vs van crash that occurred on Rt 6 and McClendon Monday evening 9/7/2020. The crash claimed the life of a Joliet man, his name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Further details will be released on Tuesday 9/8/20220.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along Minooka Police Department is investigating a motorcycle vs van crash that occurred on Rt 6 and McClendon Monday evening 9/7/2020. The crash claimed the life of a Joliet man, his name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Further details will be released on Tuesday 9/8/20220.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is releasing the identity of a Shorewood man, who was killed in a work place fatality, which took place at the United States Cold Storage in Minooka on Friday, September 4, 2020.
Ronald Bebar, 51, was transported by the Minooka Fire Protection District to the Morris Hospital Emergency Department, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after 3:00 p.m.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Bebar was working for an outside contractor and was electrocuted when the incident occurred.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, the Minooka Police Department and OSHA.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is releasing the identity of a Shorewood man, who was killed in a work place fatality, which took place at the United States Cold Storage in Minooka on Friday, September 4, 2020.
Ronald Bebar, 51, was transported by the Minooka Fire Protection District to the Morris Hospital Emergency Department, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after 3:00 p.m.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Bebar was working for an outside contractor and was electrocuted when the incident occurred.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, the Minooka Police Department and OSHA.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a work place fatality, which took place at the United States Cold Storage in Minooka on Friday, September 4, 2020. The male was transported by the Minooka Fire Protection District to the Morris Hospital Emergency Department, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after 3:00 p.m.
The male’s name is being withheld until after Autopsy, which is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 5, 2020.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the male was working for an outside contractor and was working on electricity when the incident occurred.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, the Minooka Police Department and OSHA.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a work place fatality, which took place at the United States Cold Storage in Minooka on Friday, September 4, 2020. The male was transported by the Minooka Fire Protection District to the Morris Hospital Emergency Department, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after 3:00 p.m.
The male’s name is being withheld until after Autopsy, which is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, September 5, 2020.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the male was working for an outside contractor and was working on electricity when the incident occurred.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, the Minooka Police Department and OSHA.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating a motorcycle crash Sunday 06/28/20 around 1515 hours that claimed the life of a Channahon man.
The crash occurred on I 80 at milepost 111 in the eastbound lane of traffic. Preliminary investigation indicates that Nathan Oliver Carroll age 35 was traveling eastbound with a group of motorcycles. At this time it is unclear as to what caused Mr. Carroll to lose control of his cycle. The cycle went down and traveled over 300 feet before coming to a rest. Mr. Carroll was ejected off of the cycle and pronounced dead at the scene.
Coroner Callahan states Mr. Carroll was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The death investigation and the crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and ISP. Morris Fire also responded to the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating a motorcycle crash Sunday 06/28/20 around 1515 hours that claimed the life of a Channahon man.
The crash occurred on I 80 at milepost 111 in the eastbound lane of traffic. Preliminary investigation indicates that Nathan Oliver Carroll age 35 was traveling eastbound with a group of motorcycles. At this time it is unclear as to what caused Mr. Carroll to lose control of his cycle. The cycle went down and traveled over 300 feet before coming to a rest. Mr. Carroll was ejected off of the cycle and pronounced dead at the scene.
Coroner Callahan states Mr. Carroll was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
The death investigation and the crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and ISP. Morris Fire also responded to the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating a traffic incident that claimed the life of a Coal City man.
Preliminary investigation indicates William Klegman age 66 was eastbound on Pine Bluff Road, east of RT. 47 when he entered into the ditch. It appears he was traveling a slow rate of speed and may have been suffering from a medical condition. Mr. Klegman was transported to the Morris Emergency Room where he was pronounced deceased at 2044 on Thursday 06/25/2020.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating a traffic incident that claimed the life of a Coal City man.
Preliminary investigation indicates William Klegman age 66 was eastbound on Pine Bluff Road, east of RT. 47 when he entered into the ditch. It appears he was traveling a slow rate of speed and may have been suffering from a medical condition. Mr. Klegman was transported to the Morris Emergency Room where he was pronounced deceased at 2044 on Thursday 06/25/2020.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating an incident on I-80 near the 105 mile post that claimed the life of a Chicago man. This occurred on June 16, 2020 around 0130.
Preliminary investigations indicate a car driven by Jake C. Enblom, 20, of Chicago was eastbound I-80 when he struck a guardrail. After coming to a stop he exited the vehicle and was walking in the eastbound lane of traffic, when he was struck by a semi-tractor trailer. He was transported by Seneca EMS to Morris Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival to the Emergency Room at 0248 this morning by Callahan.
The crash remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police.Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating an incident on I-80 near the 105 mile post that claimed the life of a Chicago man. This occurred on June 16, 2020 around 0130.
Preliminary investigations indicate a car driven by Jake C. Enblom, 20, of Chicago was eastbound I-80 when he struck a guardrail. After coming to a stop he exited the vehicle and was walking in the eastbound lane of traffic, when he was struck by a semi-tractor trailer. He was transported by Seneca EMS to Morris Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival to the Emergency Room at 0248 this morning by Callahan.
The crash remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating an incident on I-80 near the 105 mile post that claimed the life of a Chicago man. This occurred on June 16, 2020 around 0130.
Preliminary investigations indicate a car driven by Jake C. Enblom, 20, of Chicago was eastbound I-80 when he struck a guardrail. After coming to a stop he exited the vehicle and was walking in the eastbound lane of traffic, when he was struck by a semi-tractor trailer. He was transported by Seneca EMS to Morris Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival to the Emergency Room at 0248 this morning by Callahan.
The crash remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police.Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s office is investigating an incident on I-80 near the 105 mile post that claimed the life of a Chicago man. This occurred on June 16, 2020 around 0130.
Preliminary investigations indicate a car driven by Jake C. Enblom, 20, of Chicago was eastbound I-80 when he struck a guardrail. After coming to a stop he exited the vehicle and was walking in the eastbound lane of traffic, when he was struck by a semi-tractor trailer. He was transported by Seneca EMS to Morris Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival to the Emergency Room at 0248 this morning by Callahan.
The crash remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Department of Conservation is investigating discovering of a body in the water at the Dresden Lock and Dam. The body was found around 0500 5/26/2020 by employees of the lock and dam.
Coroner Callahan states there was a boating incident in Kankakee on May 7, 2020 when two men fell into the waters of the Kankakee River and never were found. Working with Conservation Officers in Kankakee County and Grundy County along with the families it has been determined the identity of the body found this am to be of William C. Veasley, 42 years of age from Matteson, Illinois.
Callahan states body recovery was made by Morris Fire Department Water Rescue Unit. Assisting on the scene was Coal City Fire/EMS and Illinois State Police.
Examination took place late this date with cause of death being drowning.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Department of Conservation is investigating discovering of a body in the water at the Dresden Lock and Dam. The body was found around 0500 5/26/2020 by employees of the lock and dam.
Coroner Callahan states there was a boating incident in Kankakee on May 7, 2020 when two men fell into the waters of the Kankakee River and never were found. Working with Conservation Officers in Kankakee County and Grundy County along with the families it has been determined the identity of the body found this am to be of William C. Veasley, 42 years of age from Matteson, Illinois.
Callahan states body recovery was made by Morris Fire Department Water Rescue Unit. Assisting on the scene was Coal City Fire/EMS and Illinois State Police.
Examination took place late this date with cause of death being drowning.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a car vs pedestrian crash that claimed the life of a Mazon man.
Coroner Callahan states he was notified of the incident at 2:25 on Saturday May 23, 2020. Preliminary investigation indicates John A. Cravens Jr. of 755 E. Grand Ridge Road was at his mailbox in front of his residence when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle. Mr. Cravens, 63 was killed on impact and pronounced dead at the scene by Callahan at 3:00pm. The eastbound vehicle came to rest in the south ditch.
The crash is being reconstructed by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Assisted at the scene by Mazon Fire and Ambulance.
The incident remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a car vs pedestrian crash that claimed the life of a Mazon man.
Coroner Callahan states he was notified of the incident at 2:25 on Saturday May 23, 2020. Preliminary investigation indicates John A. Cravens Jr. of 755 E. Grand Ridge Road was at his mailbox in front of his residence when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle. Mr. Cravens, 63 was killed on impact and pronounced dead at the scene by Callahan at 3:00pm. The eastbound vehicle came to rest in the south ditch.
The crash is being reconstructed by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Assisted at the scene by Mazon Fire and Ambulance.
The incident remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The investigation continues into the apparent homicide/suicide that was discovered near Coal City Monday May 11, 2020.
Coroner Callahan is releasing the names of the two people involved in the incident. Gary E. Lissy JR and his wife Judy A. Lissy were discovered by family members Monday afternoon. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene that afternoon.
No further details are being released at this time. The investigation is ongoing by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and the Coroner’s Office.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The investigation continues into the apparent homicide/suicide that was discovered near Coal City Monday May 11, 2020.
Coroner Callahan is releasing the names of the two people involved in the incident. Gary E. Lissy JR and his wife Judy A. Lissy were discovered by family members Monday afternoon. Both were pronounced deceased at the scene that afternoon.
No further details are being released at this time. The investigation is ongoing by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and the Coroner’s Office.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing in information on a fatal crash that occurred around 2350 on Sunday evening.
Preliminary information indicates a vehicle had been parked on the shoulder of I-80, MP 114 and was entering back into the westbound lane of traffic. Just as the vehicle entered it was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer driven by Brandon E. Heard. Mr. Heard 43 of River Grove, Illinois was pronounced dead at the scene at 0142 on Monday the 4th of May.
The crash remains under investigation by Grundy County Coroner Office and ISP.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing in information on a fatal crash that occurred around 2350 on Sunday evening.
Preliminary information indicates a vehicle had been parked on the shoulder of I-80, MP 114 and was entering back into the westbound lane of traffic. Just as the vehicle entered it was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer driven by Brandon E. Heard. Mr. Heard 43 of River Grove, Illinois was pronounced dead at the scene at 0142 on Monday the 4th of May.
The crash remains under investigation by Grundy County Coroner Office and ISP.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the Statesville inmate that died early Sunday morning due to the COVID-19. He is 66 year old Ronald Rice.
No further information
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the Statesville inmate that died early Sunday morning due to the COVID-19. He is 66 year old Ronald Rice.
No further information
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing this Sunday morning 04-05-2020 the death of a 66 year old man that died at the Morris Hospital due to the COVID 19.
The name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Coroner Callahan states he is an inmate of the Statesville Correctional Institute in Joliet that was a patient at Morris Hospital.
More details may follow later today.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing this Sunday morning 04-05-2020 the death of a 66 year old man that died at the Morris Hospital due to the COVID 19.
The name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Coroner Callahan states he is an inmate of the Statesville Correctional Institute in Joliet that was a patient at Morris Hospital.
More details may follow later today.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W Callahan’s office is investigating the death of a 57 year old Minooka resident who died early Friday morning in the Morris Emergency Room. The death of Susan M. Weber is the result of a house fire in Minooka. Mrs. Weber was transported to Morris and pronounced dead shortly before 0200 hours February 14, 2020.
Coroner Callahan states the house is located on South Bell Road which is Will County but in the town on Minooka. Callahan states there were three other occupants of the home. One child age 5 was pronounced dead at the scene by Will County Coroner’s Office and the other two were transported to the Morris Hospital.
Callahan states the investigation continues with State Fire Marshal, Minooka Police and Channahon Fire, Will County Coroner’s Office and Grundy County Coroner’s Office. Other agencies also assisted at the scene of the fire.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W Callahan’s office is investigating the death of a 57 year old Minooka resident who died early Friday morning in the Morris Emergency Room. The death of Susan M. Weber is the result of a house fire in Minooka. Mrs. Weber was transported to Morris and pronounced dead shortly before 0200 hours February 14, 2020.
Coroner Callahan states the house is located on South Bell Road which is Will County but in the town on Minooka. Callahan states there were three other occupants of the home. One child age 5 was pronounced dead at the scene by Will County Coroner’s Office and the other two were transported to the Morris Hospital.
Callahan states the investigation continues with State Fire Marshal, Minooka Police and Channahon Fire, Will County Coroner’s Office and Grundy County Coroner’s Office. Other agencies also assisted at the scene of the fire.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Sheriff Ken Briley, in conjunction with Grundy County Coroner John Callahan, Grundy County States Attorney Jason Helland, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force, Illinois Fire Marshal, and MABAS-IL Division 15 Fire Investigators, announced today; that an eight-month investigation into the homicide of Elizabeth A. Link of Verona, Illinois, led to the arrest of 43-year-old Robert J. Turk, of Yorkville, Illinois.
At approximately 12:00 pm, today, Grundy County Sheriff’s Deputies, assisted by members of the Will / Grundy Major Crimes Task Force, and the Oswego Police Department arrested Robert Turk in Oswego, IL. Mr. Turk is charged with first degree murder and is currently in the custody of the Grundy County Jail. His bond has been set at $2,000,000.00.
On Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at approximately 5:40 AM, Grundy County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 3200 S. Verona Road for a structure fire. As fire officials extinguished the fire, the body of 40-year-old Elizabeth A. Link was discovered inside the residence. Coroner Callahan stated the initial autopsy findings indicated Elizabeth died prior to the fire. The Coroner’s Office hired an expert witness to analyze evidence at the crime scene. It was discovered that the victim suffered incisive wounds that led to her death. Based on this information, the Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death is a homicide.
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all assisting agencies involved in Elizabeth Link’s homicide investigation; and the community for their patience. “This is truly a sad situation, and although we can’t bring Elizabeth back; we can serve justice and provide closure for her family and friends,” said Sheriff Briley.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Sheriff Ken Briley, in conjunction with Grundy County Coroner John Callahan, Grundy County States Attorney Jason Helland, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Will/Grundy Major Crimes Task Force, Illinois Fire Marshal, and MABAS-IL Division 15 Fire Investigators, announced today; that an eight-month investigation into the homicide of Elizabeth A. Link of Verona, Illinois, led to the arrest of 43-year-old Robert J. Turk, of Yorkville, Illinois.
At approximately 12:00 pm, today, Grundy County Sheriff’s Deputies, assisted by members of the Will / Grundy Major Crimes Task Force, and the Oswego Police Department arrested Robert Turk in Oswego, IL. Mr. Turk is charged with first degree murder and is currently in the custody of the Grundy County Jail. His bond has been set at $2,000,000.00.
On Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at approximately 5:40 AM, Grundy County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 3200 S. Verona Road for a structure fire. As fire officials extinguished the fire, the body of 40-year-old Elizabeth A. Link was discovered inside the residence. Coroner Callahan stated the initial autopsy findings indicated Elizabeth died prior to the fire. The Coroner’s Office hired an expert witness to analyze evidence at the crime scene. It was discovered that the victim suffered incisive wounds that led to her death. Based on this information, the Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death is a homicide.
The Grundy County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all assisting agencies involved in Elizabeth Link’s homicide investigation; and the community for their patience. “This is truly a sad situation, and although we can’t bring Elizabeth back; we can serve justice and provide closure for her family and friends,” said Sheriff Briley.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W Callahan’s office is investigating a traffic fatality involving an 18 year old Minooka man.
The crash occurred on Cemetery Road near Tabler Road on Saturday Evening 01/25/2020 sometime before 8:00 pm. Coroner Callahan states he was notified by Morris Hospital Emergency Room of a traumatic arrest in the ER. Coroner Callahan states after arriving at the ER and meeting with Sheriff’s Deputy, it was determined that the driver of the car was 18 year old Eric Murillo of Minooka. Mr. Murillo was pronounced dead in the ER at 8:32 pm.
Any further details regarding the crash will be released by the Sheriff’s department.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Grundy Sheriff’s department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W Callahan’s office is investigating a traffic fatality involving an 18 year old Minooka man.
The crash occurred on Cemetery Road near Tabler Road on Saturday Evening 01/25/2020 sometime before 8:00 pm. Coroner Callahan states he was notified by Morris Hospital Emergency Room of a traumatic arrest in the ER. Coroner Callahan states after arriving at the ER and meeting with Sheriff’s Deputy, it was determined that the driver of the car was 18 year old Eric Murillo of Minooka. Mr. Murillo was pronounced dead in the ER at 8:32 pm.
Any further details regarding the crash will be released by the Sheriff’s department.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Grundy Sheriff’s department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W Callahan is releasing further details of Thursday evening’s crash that claimed the life of a 35 year old Gardner lady.
Coroner Callahan states Samantha M. Serena of Gardner was pronounced dead at the scene at 1935 hrs by Coroner Callahan.
As mentioned in the previous news release, Miss Serena was westbound on Goodfarm Road when she went through the intersection of Campus Blktp without stopping striking the southbound tractor-trailer loaded with beans. The crash caused the trailer to open spilling a large amount of beans onto the highway. Several hours went by for clean-up and getting the proper equipment to the scene before extrication could take place by Gardner Fire.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Grundy Sheriff’s department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W Callahan is releasing further details of Thursday evening’s crash that claimed the life of a 35 year old Gardner lady.
Coroner Callahan states Samantha M. Serena of Gardner was pronounced dead at the scene at 1935 hrs by Coroner Callahan.
As mentioned in the previous news release, Miss Serena was westbound on Goodfarm Road when she went through the intersection of Campus Blktp without stopping striking the southbound tractor-trailer loaded with beans. The crash caused the trailer to open spilling a large amount of beans onto the highway. Several hours went by for clean-up and getting the proper equipment to the scene before extrication could take place by Gardner Fire.
The crash remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Grundy Sheriff’s department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a traffic fatality, which claimed the life of a Gardner Women on 10-24-19. The Female’s name is being withheld, pending notification of the next-of-kin. The female was pronounced deceased at 7:30pm by the Grundy County Coroner’s Office.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the female’s vehicle was traveling Westbound on Goodfarm Road, when for unknown reason, did not stop at the stop sign and went under a semi, fully loaded with soybeans that was traveling South on Campus Blacktop. An Autopsy will be completed, tomorrow afternoon. The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a traffic fatality, which claimed the life of a Gardner Women on 10-24-19. The Female’s name is being withheld, pending notification of the next-of-kin. The female was pronounced deceased at 7:30pm by the Grundy County Coroner’s Office.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the female’s vehicle was traveling Westbound on Goodfarm Road, when for unknown reason, did not stop at the stop sign and went under a semi, fully loaded with soybeans that was traveling South on Campus Blacktop. An Autopsy will be completed, tomorrow afternoon. The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is remembering the forty-third anniversary of the discovery of an unidentified homicide victim. On October 2, 1976, the body of an African-American female was discovered by a local farmer and his granddaughter in a field, which was located on West U.S Route 6, 1.4 miles east of the LaSalle County Line, in Erienna Township, Seneca, Illinois.
The case was investigated by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and Grundy County Coroner’s Office, who determined that the female had been shot elsewhere and placed in this field. The victim had no identification.
After exhausting all efforts of attempting to identify the female, she was subsequently buried in an unmarked grave at the Braceville-Gardner Cemetery on Thanksgiving Day 1976.
For years the case remained cold and Coroner John W. Callahan reopened the case in late-2017, hoping to use modern-day forensic science techniques and technology to finally give the victim her name back.
Investigators combed through old case files, entered the female into numerous unidentified persons databases and released an artist-rendered-image to the public, with the hopes of receiving new information pertaining to the case.
On December 18, 2018, the Grundy County Coroner’s Office exhumed the remains of the female to utilize the advancements in DNA. A Forensic Odontologist also examined the remains and determined that the victim was between fifteen and twenty-seven years of age. In January of 2019, the remains were sent to the University of North Texas Center For Human Identification in Fort Worth, Texas, using a grant from the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) and Department of Justice.
In late-April, the lab developed a full female DNA profile and entered it into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS,) where the national database continues to search for a potential match to any missing persons nationwide.
In June, Deputy Chief Coroner Brandon Johnson announced a partnership with the DNA Doe Project, which is an all-volunteer organization, which uses genealogical DNA to identify the unidentified. The DNA Doe Project remains hard at work in attempting to bring forward this female’s identity.
On the eve of the victim’s forty-third anniversary of discovery, October 1, 2019, Coroner Callahan, Chief Deputy Coroner Hintze-Symoniak and Deputy Chief Coroner Johnson placed flowers and an artist-rendered-image of how the female may have appeared in life near the site of her discovery. “This victim was someone’s daughter, loved one or friend,” said Deputy Chief Coroner Johnson. “We remembered and we will continue to remember this victim until she finally gets her name back.”
This case remains active. The victim was between fifteen and twenty-seven years of age, with black afro-type-hair, brown eyes, weighing approximately one-hundred-fifty-pounds and standing 5’07” and was accompanied by a red, white and black cardigan-style knit sweater. If anyone recognizes this image or lost contact with a friend, loved one or familiar face around October 2, 1976, is urged to contact Deputy Chief Coroner Brandon Johnson at 815-941-3359 or email: bjohnson@grundycountyil.gov
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is remembering the forty-third anniversary of the discovery of an unidentified homicide victim. On October 2, 1976, the body of an African-American female was discovered by a local farmer and his granddaughter in a field, which was located on West U.S Route 6, 1.4 miles east of the LaSalle County Line, in Erienna Township, Seneca, Illinois.
The case was investigated by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and Grundy County Coroner’s Office, who determined that the female had been shot elsewhere and placed in this field. The victim had no identification.
After exhausting all efforts of attempting to identify the female, she was subsequently buried in an unmarked grave at the Braceville-Gardner Cemetery on Thanksgiving Day 1976.
For years the case remained cold and Coroner John W. Callahan reopened the case in late-2017, hoping to use modern-day forensic science techniques and technology to finally give the victim her name back.
Investigators combed through old case files, entered the female into numerous unidentified persons databases and released an artist-rendered-image to the public, with the hopes of receiving new information pertaining to the case.
On December 18, 2018, the Grundy County Coroner’s Office exhumed the remains of the female to utilize the advancements in DNA. A Forensic Odontologist also examined the remains and determined that the victim was between fifteen and twenty-seven years of age. In January of 2019, the remains were sent to the University of North Texas Center For Human Identification in Fort Worth, Texas, using a grant from the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) and Department of Justice.
In late-April, the lab developed a full female DNA profile and entered it into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS,) where the national database continues to search for a potential match to any missing persons nationwide.
In June, Deputy Chief Coroner Brandon Johnson announced a partnership with the DNA Doe Project, which is an all-volunteer organization, which uses genealogical DNA to identify the unidentified. The DNA Doe Project remains hard at work in attempting to bring forward this female’s identity.
On the eve of the victim’s forty-third anniversary of discovery, October 1, 2019, Coroner Callahan, Chief Deputy Coroner Hintze-Symoniak and Deputy Chief Coroner Johnson placed flowers and an artist-rendered-image of how the female may have appeared in life near the site of her discovery. “This victim was someone’s daughter, loved one or friend,” said Deputy Chief Coroner Johnson. “We remembered and we will continue to remember this victim until she finally gets her name back.”
This case remains active. The victim was between fifteen and twenty-seven years of age, with black afro-type-hair, brown eyes, weighing approximately one-hundred-fifty-pounds and standing 5’07” and was accompanied by a red, white and black cardigan-style knit sweater. If anyone recognizes this image or lost contact with a friend, loved one or familiar face around October 2, 1976, is urged to contact Deputy Chief Coroner Brandon Johnson at 815-941-3359 or email: bjohnson@grundycountyil.gov
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Sheriff Ken Briley would like to remind everyone to be extra cautious this holiday weekend.
Coroner Callahan placed “Meagan’s Story” vehicle at the eastbound rest area of I-80 today and it will remain there for the weekend. Meagan was killed by a drunk driver June 14th 2009 just north of Morris on Rt. 47. Her car remains a vigil reminder to drivers not to drink and drive or any other distractions such as texting while driving.
Coroner Callahan states this is the last big holiday for the summer and often takes a lot of people to area parks and waterways. Indulging in adult beverages can sometimes get out of hand and the results can be catastrophic. Celebrate responsibly and don’t become a statistic.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Sheriff Ken Briley would like to remind everyone to be extra cautious this holiday weekend.
Coroner Callahan placed “Meagan’s Story” vehicle at the eastbound rest area of I-80 today and it will remain there for the weekend. Meagan was killed by a drunk driver June 14th 2009 just north of Morris on Rt. 47. Her car remains a vigil reminder to drivers not to drink and drive or any other distractions such as texting while driving.
Coroner Callahan states this is the last big holiday for the summer and often takes a lot of people to area parks and waterways. Indulging in adult beverages can sometimes get out of hand and the results can be catastrophic. Celebrate responsibly and don’t become a statistic.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is investigating a traffic crash occurred on I 80 near the westbound rest area MP 118. The incident occurred around 10:30 am Saturday 8/10/19.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle traveling westbound on I 80 drove into the back of parked semi-tractor trailer which was parked on the shoulder of the roadway. The impact put the car under the trailer to the rear axle.
Extrication was done by Minooka Fire.
The driver of the westbound vehicle is identified as Steven Raymond Shambora of St. Charles, Illinois. Mr. Shambora is 48 years old and was alone at the time of the crash.
The crash remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is investigating a traffic crash occurred on I 80 near the westbound rest area MP 118. The incident occurred around 10:30 am Saturday 8/10/19.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle traveling westbound on I 80 drove into the back of parked semi-tractor trailer which was parked on the shoulder of the roadway. The impact put the car under the trailer to the rear axle.
Extrication was done by Minooka Fire.
The driver of the westbound vehicle is identified as Steven Raymond Shambora of St. Charles, Illinois. Mr. Shambora is 48 years old and was alone at the time of the crash.
The crash remains under investigation by the Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the driver involved in a traffic crash near Gardner on Thursday morning 8/1/2019.
The driver has been identified as Sabrina Walski, 25 years old from South Wilmington.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the driver involved in a traffic crash near Gardner on Thursday morning 8/1/2019.
The driver has been identified as Sabrina Walski, 25 years old from South Wilmington.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle rollover crash, which claimed the life of a South Wilmington woman.
The female’s name is being withheld, pending notification of the next-of-kin. The female was pronounced deceased at 8:18 a.m. by Coroner John W. Callahan.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the female’s vehicle was traveling northbound on Campus Blacktop, when for some unknown reason, left the roadway, traveling through the ditch and coming to rest in a bean field, which is located just north of Livingston County Road. Authorities were dispatched to the scene, after a passerby observed a vehicle in the bean field. It is unknown when the crash occurred. An autopsy will be completed, later this afternoon.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and Grundy County Sheriff’s Department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office is investigating a single-vehicle rollover crash, which claimed the life of a South Wilmington woman.
The female’s name is being withheld, pending notification of the next-of-kin. The female was pronounced deceased at 8:18 a.m. by Coroner John W. Callahan.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the female’s vehicle was traveling northbound on Campus Blacktop, when for some unknown reason, left the roadway, traveling through the ditch and coming to rest in a bean field, which is located just north of Livingston County Road. Authorities were dispatched to the scene, after a passerby observed a vehicle in the bean field. It is unknown when the crash occurred. An autopsy will be completed, later this afternoon.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and Grundy County Sheriff’s Department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the individual killed in a motorcycle crash on Sunday evening.
Pronounced dead at the scene was 50 year old Hiram T. Jackson of Morris.
The crash remains under investigation by the Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Morris Fire and EMS also were on the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan is releasing the name of the individual killed in a motorcycle crash on Sunday evening.
Pronounced dead at the scene was 50 year old Hiram T. Jackson of Morris.
The crash remains under investigation by the Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Morris Fire and EMS also were on the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy Sheriff Department are investigating a motorcycle crash that occurred on East Route 6 about half mile east of Ashley Road. The incident occurred Sunday evening 7/7/19 around 10:20 pm. The crash claimed the life of a Morris man. Callahan pronounced him dead at the scene.
NOTIFICATION OF NEXT OF KIN HAS NOT BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME
Preliminary investigation indicates a motorcycle traveling eastbound on Rt. 6 left the roadway for an unknown reason and traveled approximately 100 feet in the north ditch. While traveling in the ditch the cycle hit a wooden post supporting a traffic sign. The bike and driver came to a rest in the north ditch.
The crash remains under investigation by the Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Morris Fire and EMS also were on the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John Callahan along with Grundy Sheriff Department are investigating a motorcycle crash that occurred on East Route 6 about half mile east of Ashley Road. The incident occurred Sunday evening 7/7/19 around 10:20 pm. The crash claimed the life of a Morris man. Callahan pronounced him dead at the scene.
NOTIFICATION OF NEXT OF KIN HAS NOT BEEN MADE AT THIS TIME
Preliminary investigation indicates a motorcycle traveling eastbound on Rt. 6 left the roadway for an unknown reason and traveled approximately 100 feet in the north ditch. While traveling in the ditch the cycle hit a wooden post supporting a traffic sign. The bike and driver came to a rest in the north ditch.
The crash remains under investigation by the Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Morris Fire and EMS also were on the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s is investigating the death of a South Wilmington man early Sunday morning the 26th.
Coroner Callahan was notified of a motorcycle crash on Gardner Blktp just east of the Fillman Road intersection. The incident was discovered approximately 0330 hours by a Sheriff’s Deputy on routine patrol.
Preliminary investigation indicates a motorcycle driven by 41 year old Chad M Cramer of South Wilmington was traveling eastbound on Gardner Blktp. As the cycle entered the curve at the intersection of Fillman Road, it left the roadway and traveled in the ditch. The unit came to a rest just east of a utility pole. Mr. Cramer was pronounced dead at the scene at 0411 by Callahan. Mr. Cramer was riding a Harley Davidson cycle and was not wearing a helmet.
The crash remains under investigation by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and the Coroner’s Office.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s is investigating the death of a South Wilmington man early Sunday morning the 26th.
Coroner Callahan was notified of a motorcycle crash on Gardner Blktp just east of the Fillman Road intersection. The incident was discovered approximately 0330 hours by a Sheriff’s Deputy on routine patrol.
Preliminary investigation indicates a motorcycle driven by 41 year old Chad M Cramer of South Wilmington was traveling eastbound on Gardner Blktp. As the cycle entered the curve at the intersection of Fillman Road, it left the roadway and traveled in the ditch. The unit came to a rest just east of a utility pole. Mr. Cramer was pronounced dead at the scene at 0411 by Callahan. Mr. Cramer was riding a Harley Davidson cycle and was not wearing a helmet.
The crash remains under investigation by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and the Coroner’s Office.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s is investigating the death of a 42 year old Minooka women. Tiffany Louise Taylor Stachovic was found by her husband late Friday evening unresponsive in their home. Preliminary investigation indicates possible overdose of cocaine or heroin based on evidence at the scene. An examination will take place later today 5/25/19. Minooka Police and Callahan’s Office continue the investigation.
Early Saturday morning 05-25-19 shortly before 0700 a man was struck by a train east of the Grant Street crossing in Morris. Preliminary investigation indicates Thomas P. Karlin of Morris was crossing the tracks in an open area east of the crossing area when he was struck by the westbound train.
This incident remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, Morris Police Dept and the CSX railroad police.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s is investigating the death of a 42 year old Minooka women. Tiffany Louise Taylor Stachovic was found by her husband late Friday evening unresponsive in their home. Preliminary investigation indicates possible overdose of cocaine or heroin based on evidence at the scene. An examination will take place later today 5/25/19. Minooka Police and Callahan’s Office continue the investigation.
Early Saturday morning 05-25-19 shortly before 0700 a man was struck by a train east of the Grant Street crossing in Morris. Preliminary investigation indicates Thomas P. Karlin of Morris was crossing the tracks in an open area east of the crossing area when he was struck by the westbound train.
This incident remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, Morris Police Dept and the CSX railroad police.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office is investigating an early morning fire that claimed the life of a Verona lady.
The fire occurred at 3200 south Verona Road. As fire officials were extinguishing the fire they discovered a body in the home. Coroner Callahan was notified of the discovery just before 0700 05/14/19. The body of 39 year old Elizabeth A. Link was pronounced dead at the scene by Callahan.
Autopsy took place late Tuesday afternoon. No further details will be released at this time.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office. Several area fire departments assisted at the scene.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John Callahan’s Office is investigating an early morning fire that claimed the life of a Verona lady.
The fire occurred at 3200 south Verona Road. As fire officials were extinguishing the fire they discovered a body in the home. Coroner Callahan was notified of the discovery just before 0700 05/14/19. The body of 39 year old Elizabeth A. Link was pronounced dead at the scene by Callahan.
Autopsy took place late Tuesday afternoon. No further details will be released at this time.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office, Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office. Several area fire departments assisted at the scene.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a two vehicle traffic crash that claimed the life of 58 year old John
Stangle of Goodfield, IL. Mr. Stangle was taken to Morris Hospital and pronounced deceased at 5:38pm.
Preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Stangle was heading South Bound on Rt. 47, South of Dupont Rd. when for unknown reasons another vehicle veered into his oncoming lane of traffic, hitting him head on. The passenger in Mr. Stangle’s vehicle was also taken to Morris Hospital with unknown injuries.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and Grundy County Sheriff’s Department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is investigating a two vehicle traffic crash that claimed the life of 58 year old John
Stangle of Goodfield, IL. Mr. Stangle was taken to Morris Hospital and pronounced deceased at 5:38pm.
Preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Stangle was heading South Bound on Rt. 47, South of Dupont Rd. when for unknown reasons another vehicle veered into his oncoming lane of traffic, hitting him head on. The passenger in Mr. Stangle’s vehicle was also taken to Morris Hospital with unknown injuries.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and Grundy County Sheriff’s Department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is investigating a traffic crash early Saturday morning that claimed the life of a Gardner lady. The crash occurred around 10:00 am Saturday morning April 27, 2019 at the intersection of Gorman and Stonewall.
Preliminary investigation indicates the driver Carol M. Jones was traveling on Stonewall Road coming into the intersection of Stonewall when a northbound vehicle struck Mrs. Jones vehicle. Carol Jones was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Callahan at 11:10 am. A passenger in the Jones vehicle was taken to Morris Hospital and later transferred to Peoria St. Frances Hospital. No information on driver of northbound vehicle.
Coroner Callahan states it was raining at the time of the crash and there were traffic signs indicating north and southbound traffic “yield to cross traffic”
The crash remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. An examination will take place later Saturday evening.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is investigating a traffic crash early Saturday morning that claimed the life of a Gardner lady. The crash occurred around 10:00 am Saturday morning April 27, 2019 at the intersection of Gorman and Stonewall.
Preliminary investigation indicates the driver Carol M. Jones was traveling on Stonewall Road coming into the intersection of Stonewall when a northbound vehicle struck Mrs. Jones vehicle. Carol Jones was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Callahan at 11:10 am. A passenger in the Jones vehicle was taken to Morris Hospital and later transferred to Peoria St. Frances Hospital. No information on driver of northbound vehicle.
Coroner Callahan states it was raining at the time of the crash and there were traffic signs indicating north and southbound traffic “yield to cross traffic”
The crash remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. An examination will take place later Saturday evening.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is investigating a pedestrian vs semi crash that occurred before noon on Thursday March 14, 2019. The incident occurred on I-80 near MP 114 ½ in the westbound side of the interstate.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle driven by Jacob R. Perry was westbound on I-80 when for unknown reason stopped and parked his vehicle on the shoulder of the roadway. He then attempted run across the lanes of traffic. Jacob Perry age 27 of Morris was struck and killed by a semi-tractor trailer. Coroner Callahan pronounced Jacob dead at the scene at 1235 pm.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and ISP.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is investigating a pedestrian vs semi crash that occurred before noon on Thursday March 14, 2019. The incident occurred on I-80 near MP 114 ½ in the westbound side of the interstate.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle driven by Jacob R. Perry was westbound on I-80 when for unknown reason stopped and parked his vehicle on the shoulder of the roadway. He then attempted run across the lanes of traffic. Jacob Perry age 27 of Morris was struck and killed by a semi-tractor trailer. Coroner Callahan pronounced Jacob dead at the scene at 1235 pm.
The death remains under investigation by Callahan’s office and ISP.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is investigating a traffic crash that took the life of a Morris man. The crash occurred around 0400 hours on Sunday March 10, 2019 on Reed Road approximately a half mile east of Gorman Road.(Maine twp)
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle traveling westbound on Reed road and began to travel off the north side of road but then came back across the roadway entering into the south ditch. The ditch in that area is very deep with significant water and the vehicle flipped over onto its top. Two female occupants of the vehicle climbed out of the vehicle and walked to a nearby house.
Tony P. Rutherford 27 of Morris was an unrestrained passenger in the front seat. Mr. Rutherford was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Callahan at 0430 Sunday March 10, 2019.
The two females were transported to Morris ER by Coal City EMS.
The crash remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. An examination will take place later this date.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is investigating a traffic crash that took the life of a Morris man. The crash occurred around 0400 hours on Sunday March 10, 2019 on Reed Road approximately a half mile east of Gorman Road.(Maine twp)
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle traveling westbound on Reed road and began to travel off the north side of road but then came back across the roadway entering into the south ditch. The ditch in that area is very deep with significant water and the vehicle flipped over onto its top. Two female occupants of the vehicle climbed out of the vehicle and walked to a nearby house.
Tony P. Rutherford 27 of Morris was an unrestrained passenger in the front seat. Mr. Rutherford was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Callahan at 0430 Sunday March 10, 2019.
The two females were transported to Morris ER by Coal City EMS.
The crash remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. An examination will take place later this date.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing more information on the death investigation occurring in Morris earlier today. (3/8/19)
Callahan states the identity of the man found deceased in his apartment on Twilight drive is Daniel Smiley age 65 of Morris. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Smiley has multiple stab wounds over his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 0945.
The investigation remains active with Morris Police and Illinois State Police Crime Scene services.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing more information on the death investigation occurring in Morris earlier today. (3/8/19)
Callahan states the identity of the man found deceased in his apartment on Twilight drive is Daniel Smiley age 65 of Morris. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Smiley has multiple stab wounds over his body. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 0945.
The investigation remains active with Morris Police and Illinois State Police Crime Scene services.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is investigating a traffic crash the claimed the life of a Morris man. The crash occurred Saturday March 2, 2019 shortly after 0900 on the Marseilles Road just west of Walker’s Corner.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle driven by 27 year old Virgil V. Saenz was eastbound on the Marseilles Road when for unknown reason left the pavement and entered into the ditch. The unit then came out of the ditch and across the roadway into the other ditch before coming to a rest. Evidence indicate Mr. Saenz was not wearing a seatbelt. Coroner Callahan states EMS transported the driver to the Morris Hospital where he was pronounced upon arrival at 1007 AM.
The crash investigation continues by members of the Sheriff’s Dept along with the Coroner’s office. An autopsy will take place Sunday afternoon.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is investigating a traffic crash the claimed the life of a Morris man. The crash occurred Saturday March 2, 2019 shortly after 0900 on the Marseilles Road just west of Walker’s Corner.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle driven by 27 year old Virgil V. Saenz was eastbound on the Marseilles Road when for unknown reason left the pavement and entered into the ditch. The unit then came out of the ditch and across the roadway into the other ditch before coming to a rest. Evidence indicate Mr. Saenz was not wearing a seatbelt. Coroner Callahan states EMS transported the driver to the Morris Hospital where he was pronounced upon arrival at 1007 AM.
The crash investigation continues by members of the Sheriff’s Dept along with the Coroner’s office. An autopsy will take place Sunday afternoon.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is pleased to announce that their unidentified female homicide victim cold case, which dates back to October 2, 1976, will be featured on a world-renowned podcast, which spotlights missing persons cases. “The Vanished Podcast” was created in 2016 by Marissa Jones, who was frustrated with the lack of coverage in missing persons cases. The podcast airs new episodes of cases weekly and is currently approaching episode 160. “We are very excited and grateful that the [vanished] has chosen to feature our case. This is an excellent opportunity to get our case out to millions of listeners.” said, Deputy Coroner Brandon Johnson, who has been the lead investigator on the agency’s only forty-two year old cold case. “This helps get the epidemic of the missing and unidentified out to public and bring awareness to the issue at hand.” Johnson said. The episode titled “Jane Doe” will be the podcast’s first ever episode on an unidentified person and will inform the listeners of the difficulties that investigators face when working cold cases, especially unidentified persons.
Jane Seneca Doe will not be the first Illinois case the podcast has covered. Most recently, they featured the story of retired Andrew High School teacher, Daniel Jarski, who went missing from his Grant Park, IL home on September 9, 2018 and was discovered deceased two months later.
The Grundy case, which features Johnson and Coroner John W. Callahan, will air on Sunday February 10, 2019 at 7 p.m. eastern, 6 p.m. central time. You can listen on iTunes or by visiting the webpage: www.thevanishedpodcast.com As for the investigation, it remains active and ongoing. The office looks forward to announcing additional testing and techniques in the upcoming months. The public can learn more about the case by visiting the Facebook page that Johnson has created for the case: www.facebook.com/grundycountycoldcase/ and on Instagram: grundycountycoldcase. Anyone with any information that could lead to the identity of this female is urged to contact Deputy Coroner Brandon Johnson at 815-941-3359 or by email: bjohnson@grundycountyil.gov
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is pleased to announce that their unidentified female homicide victim cold case, which dates back to October 2, 1976, will be featured on a world-renowned podcast, which spotlights missing persons cases. “The Vanished Podcast” was created in 2016 by Marissa Jones, who was frustrated with the lack of coverage in missing persons cases. The podcast airs new episodes of cases weekly and is currently approaching episode 160. “We are very excited and grateful that the [vanished] has chosen to feature our case. This is an excellent opportunity to get our case out to millions of listeners.” said, Deputy Coroner Brandon Johnson, who has been the lead investigator on the agency’s only forty-two year old cold case. “This helps get the epidemic of the missing and unidentified out to public and bring awareness to the issue at hand.” Johnson said. The episode titled “Jane Doe” will be the podcast’s first ever episode on an unidentified person and will inform the listeners of the difficulties that investigators face when working cold cases, especially unidentified persons.
Jane Seneca Doe will not be the first Illinois case the podcast has covered. Most recently, they featured the story of retired Andrew High School teacher, Daniel Jarski, who went missing from his Grant Park, IL home on September 9, 2018 and was discovered deceased two months later.
The Grundy case, which features Johnson and Coroner John W. Callahan, will air on Sunday February 10, 2019 at 7 p.m. eastern, 6 p.m. central time. You can listen on iTunes or by visiting the webpage: www.thevanishedpodcast.com As for the investigation, it remains active and ongoing. The office looks forward to announcing additional testing and techniques in the upcoming months. The public can learn more about the case by visiting the Facebook page that Johnson has created for the case: www.facebook.com/grundycountycoldcase/ and on Instagram: grundycountycoldcase. Anyone with any information that could lead to the identity of this female is urged to contact Deputy Coroner Brandon Johnson at 815-941-3359 or by email: bjohnson@grundycountyil.gov
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing the name of the individual involved in a traffic crash earlier Christmas Eve morning.
Killed in the crash was 32 year old C. J. Loveland of Essex. Callahan states his parents were notified shortly after the crash and was giving the family time to make other notifications.
The investigation continues by member of the Sheriff’s Dept along with the Coroner’s office.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing the name of the individual involved in a traffic crash earlier Christmas Eve morning.
Killed in the crash was 32 year old C. J. Loveland of Essex. Callahan states his parents were notified shortly after the crash and was giving the family time to make other notifications.
The investigation continues by member of the Sheriff’s Dept along with the Coroner’s office.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash that claimed the life of a 32 year old Essex man, Tuesday morning 12/24/18. The name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Coroner Callahan states he was notified of the death shortly after 11:00 a.m. The single vehicle crash occurred in the area of It appears that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and for an unknown reason, left the roadway, striking a utility pole. The alleged driver fled the scene prior to the arrival of authorities. The passenger was ejected and transported to the Morris Hospital Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead at 10:40 a.m.
Both offices were assisted by the Gardner Fire Protection District and numerous surrounding fire agencies.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan along with Grundy County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash that claimed the life of a 32 year old Essex man, Tuesday morning 12/24/18. The name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Coroner Callahan states he was notified of the death shortly after 11:00 a.m. The single vehicle crash occurred in the area of It appears that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and for an unknown reason, left the roadway, striking a utility pole. The alleged driver fled the scene prior to the arrival of authorities. The passenger was ejected and transported to the Morris Hospital Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead at 10:40 a.m.
Both offices were assisted by the Gardner Fire Protection District and numerous surrounding fire agencies.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing details regarding an update in the death investigation of a cold case of an unidentified female. The body was found on October 2, 1976 in a farm field in Erienna Township, Unincorporated Seneca, IL. Investigators from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police in conjunction with the Coroner, worked the case for a period of time. After several weeks of not being able to make any identification, the body was buried under the authority of the Grundy County Coroner. Not only were there no identification leads, but also the fact that the death was ruled a Homicide from a gunshot wound to the head. Callahan and his team have been continuing to work the reopened case for about the last year and a half. “We have received a good amount of tips from the public since reopening the case. Two particular tips were from loved ones missing their family member for forty-two to fifty-five years. DNA was compared to the tipsters’ DNA and unfortunately there was no match to our unidentified female. However, by them reaching out and contacting us, we have now encourage both families to finally report their relatives as missing persons and submit DNA, which may help another case in the future,” stated Deputy Coroner Brandon Johnson, who has helped with the reopened investigation.
In the ever changing times, technology and modern-day forensic science techniques have naturally changed for the better. On Tuesday December 18, 2018 the team was on hand at the Braceville-Gardner Cemetery in Braceville, to exhume the remains of the unidentified victim. Using said techniques and new ideas the office moves forward with the investigation. “We reached a corner with the initial DNA obtained from the victim’s sweater and felt that we stood a better chance of identifying this female by exhuming her and sending bones to UNTHCI (The University of North Texas Human Center for Identification) in Fort Worth, Texas. The lab specializes in mitochondrial DNA, something more enhanced. We also look forward to using genealogy in the near future.” Johnson stated. The office has worked with the Illinois State Police Crime Lab, NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System,) The DOE Network, The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children and various forensic artists, who helped create images of how the female may have appeared in 1976. The office also created a Facebook page for the case, which has reached people nationwide, helping to get the word and sketch out in other states. The page could be found at www.facebook.com/grundycountycoldcase
Anyone with any information that may help lead to the identification of this female is asked to contact Deputy Coroner Brandon Johnson at 815-941-3359 or e-mail: bjohnson@grundycountyil.gov
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing details regarding an update in the death investigation of a cold case of an unidentified female. The body was found on October 2, 1976 in a farm field in Erienna Township, Unincorporated Seneca, IL. Investigators from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police in conjunction with the Coroner, worked the case for a period of time. After several weeks of not being able to make any identification, the body was buried under the authority of the Grundy County Coroner. Not only were there no identification leads, but also the fact that the death was ruled a Homicide from a gunshot wound to the head. Callahan and his team have been continuing to work the reopened case for about the last year and a half. “We have received a good amount of tips from the public since reopening the case. Two particular tips were from loved ones missing their family member for forty-two to fifty-five years. DNA was compared to the tipsters’ DNA and unfortunately there was no match to our unidentified female. However, by them reaching out and contacting us, we have now encourage both families to finally report their relatives as missing persons and submit DNA, which may help another case in the future,” stated Deputy Coroner Brandon Johnson, who has helped with the reopened investigation.
In the ever changing times, technology and modern-day forensic science techniques have naturally changed for the better. On Tuesday December 18, 2018 the team was on hand at the Braceville-Gardner Cemetery in Braceville, to exhume the remains of the unidentified victim. Using said techniques and new ideas the office moves forward with the investigation. “We reached a corner with the initial DNA obtained from the victim’s sweater and felt that we stood a better chance of identifying this female by exhuming her and sending bones to UNTHCI (The University of North Texas Human Center for Identification) in Fort Worth, Texas. The lab specializes in mitochondrial DNA, something more enhanced. We also look forward to using genealogy in the near future.” Johnson stated. The office has worked with the Illinois State Police Crime Lab, NamUs (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System,) The DOE Network, The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children and various forensic artists, who helped create images of how the female may have appeared in 1976. The office also created a Facebook page for the case, which has reached people nationwide, helping to get the word and sketch out in other states. The page could be found at www.facebook.com/grundycountycoldcase
Anyone with any information that may help lead to the identification of this female is asked to contact Deputy Coroner Brandon Johnson at 815-941-3359 or e-mail: bjohnson@grundycountyil.gov
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan office along with Minooka Police are investigating the death of a 26 year old Braidwood lady.
Coroner Callahan states Kathleen A. Garcia 26 of Braidwood was with a friend in an apartment in Minooka when she and her friend were using heroin and a prescription drug. At some point shortly after noon on Saturday the 8th of December the friend noticed she was unresponsive. The friend called 911 and also gave her narcan but time had lapsed. Coroner Callahan stated Kathleen was pronounced at 1330 Saturday at the residence in Minooka. Callahan states there was evidence of both heroin and a prescription drug in the residence along with a statement from the friend.
Coroner Callahan states heroin is a deadly drug and when you begin to cut it with prescription drugs you are “rolling the dice” with your life. “We are working diligently with departments to get a handle on this drug” Callahan encourages parents to know what is going on within their home and to reach out for help if need be. “Any of our law enforcement agencies can help or give the proper guidance” Just ask!
An autopsy will take place Sunday the 9th with toxicology pending. The death investigation remains under investigation by the Coroner and the Minooka Police.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan office along with Minooka Police are investigating the death of a 26 year old Braidwood lady.
Coroner Callahan states Kathleen A. Garcia 26 of Braidwood was with a friend in an apartment in Minooka when she and her friend were using heroin and a prescription drug. At some point shortly after noon on Saturday the 8th of December the friend noticed she was unresponsive. The friend called 911 and also gave her narcan but time had lapsed. Coroner Callahan stated Kathleen was pronounced at 1330 Saturday at the residence in Minooka. Callahan states there was evidence of both heroin and a prescription drug in the residence along with a statement from the friend.
Coroner Callahan states heroin is a deadly drug and when you begin to cut it with prescription drugs you are “rolling the dice” with your life. “We are working diligently with departments to get a handle on this drug” Callahan encourages parents to know what is going on within their home and to reach out for help if need be. “Any of our law enforcement agencies can help or give the proper guidance” Just ask!
An autopsy will take place Sunday the 9th with toxicology pending. The death investigation remains under investigation by the Coroner and the Minooka Police.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan office along with Coal City Police Department is investigating the death of a 60 year old as a result of suspected heroin overdose. This death occurred early Tuesday afternoon.
Coroner Callahan states he was called to a residence in Coal City for the death of Clarice R. Cummings of Coal City. There was evidence at the scene that supports the use of heroin and other pharmaceutical drugs.
Coroner Callahan states this is a deadly drug and Grundy County is no different from any other county. Through this news release and awareness programs, we hope to try and save the lives of others. This is the third death in Coal City this past 10 days as a result of suspected heroin.
Autopsy on Clarice was completed Wednesday with toxicology pending.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan office along with Coal City Police Department is investigating the death of a 60 year old as a result of suspected heroin overdose. This death occurred early Tuesday afternoon.
Coroner Callahan states he was called to a residence in Coal City for the death of Clarice R. Cummings of Coal City. There was evidence at the scene that supports the use of heroin and other pharmaceutical drugs.
Coroner Callahan states this is a deadly drug and Grundy County is no different from any other county. Through this news release and awareness programs, we hope to try and save the lives of others. This is the third death in Coal City this past 10 days as a result of suspected heroin.
Autopsy on Clarice was completed Wednesday with toxicology pending.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan office along with Coal City Police Department is investigating the death of a 26 year old as a result of suspected heroin overdose. This death occurred early Monday morning
Coroner Callahan states he was called to a residence in Coal City for the death of James Lee of Coal City. There was evidence at the scene that supports the use of heroin.
There was a female individual from Wilmington that had overdosed but EMS was able to administer drugs and she was transported to Morris ER. This individual confirmed the use of heroin.
Coroner Callahan states this is a deadly drug and Grundy County is no different from any other county. Through this news release and awareness programs, we hope to try and save the lives of others.
Autopsy on Mr. Lee was completed Monday with toxicology pending
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan office along with Coal City Police Department is investigating the death of a 26 year old as a result of suspected heroin overdose. This death occurred early Monday morning
Coroner Callahan states he was called to a residence in Coal City for the death of James Lee of Coal City. There was evidence at the scene that supports the use of heroin.
There was a female individual from Wilmington that had overdosed but EMS was able to administer drugs and she was transported to Morris ER. This individual confirmed the use of heroin.
Coroner Callahan states this is a deadly drug and Grundy County is no different from any other county. Through this news release and awareness programs, we hope to try and save the lives of others.
Autopsy on Mr. Lee was completed Monday with toxicology pending
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan office is investigating a crash that occurred around 1630 Tuesday afternoon on I-80 at the 107 mile marker. The crash claimed the life of a Michigan couple.
Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling eastbound on I-80 when it left the roadway for an unknown reason. The vehicle traveled approximately 200 feet before striking a tree. The vehicle burst into flames after the collision.
Coroner Callahan states the driver of the car is identified as Charles R. Fuller age 73 and his wife (passenger) is Shirley Ann Fuller age 74. Coroner Callahan states notification was made with the family in Tennessee and Michigan. Family stated the couple were traveling home from Minnesota after attending the funeral of Shirley’s mother.
The investigation remains under investigation by the Coroner’s office and the Illinois State Police. Morris Fire and EMS assisted the Coroner’s office with extrication.
Autopsies on the couple will be performed on Wednesday evening.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan office is investigating a crash that occurred around 1630 Tuesday afternoon on I-80 at the 107 mile marker. The crash claimed the life of a Michigan couple.
Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling eastbound on I-80 when it left the roadway for an unknown reason. The vehicle traveled approximately 200 feet before striking a tree. The vehicle burst into flames after the collision.
Coroner Callahan states the driver of the car is identified as Charles R. Fuller age 73 and his wife (passenger) is Shirley Ann Fuller age 74. Coroner Callahan states notification was made with the family in Tennessee and Michigan. Family stated the couple were traveling home from Minnesota after attending the funeral of Shirley’s mother.
The investigation remains under investigation by the Coroner’s office and the Illinois State Police. Morris Fire and EMS assisted the Coroner’s office with extrication.
Autopsies on the couple will be performed on Wednesday evening.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan office is investigating the discovery of a dead body Sunday evening in Coal City. Coroner Callahan states he was notified of the body shortly after 7:00 pm in the area of Lincoln and North Streets. The body was discovered by some juveniles playing in the area of the abandoned green houses in the area.
Preliminary investigation indicates the deceased as 59 year old James E. Roney who had went missing on September 4th 2018. Mr. Roney had been living with friends for the past several years in Carbon Hill.
Evidence at the scene support Mr. Roney had has been deceased for a long period of time, consistent with the time frame of the missing person information. Coroner Callahan states there appears to be no foul play and an examination was done early Monday morning. Preliminary results are inconclusive at this time and waiting further test results.
Grundy County Sheriff and the Coal City Police Departments are also involved in the investigation.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan office is investigating the discovery of a dead body Sunday evening in Coal City. Coroner Callahan states he was notified of the body shortly after 7:00 pm in the area of Lincoln and North Streets. The body was discovered by some juveniles playing in the area of the abandoned green houses in the area.
Preliminary investigation indicates the deceased as 59 year old James E. Roney who had went missing on September 4th 2018. Mr. Roney had been living with friends for the past several years in Carbon Hill.
Evidence at the scene support Mr. Roney had has been deceased for a long period of time, consistent with the time frame of the missing person information. Coroner Callahan states there appears to be no foul play and an examination was done early Monday morning. Preliminary results are inconclusive at this time and waiting further test results.
Grundy County Sheriff and the Coal City Police Departments are also involved in the investigation.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is confirming the first West Nile Encephalomyelitis death in Grundy County.
The death occurred August 25 at the Morris Hospital. The age of the man is 85 and he is a resident of LaSalle County. It is unknown where the actual virus was contracted.
Coroner Callahan states people should follow the recommended precautions against the virus such as using appropriate mosquito spray or wearing long sleeves while being outdoors. For further information on precautions you should check with your local health department.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is confirming the first West Nile Encephalomyelitis death in Grundy County.
The death occurred August 25 at the Morris Hospital. The age of the man is 85 and he is a resident of LaSalle County. It is unknown where the actual virus was contracted.
Coroner Callahan states people should follow the recommended precautions against the virus such as using appropriate mosquito spray or wearing long sleeves while being outdoors. For further information on precautions you should check with your local health department.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan along with Minooka Police are investigating the suspicious death of a 27 day old baby.
Coroner Callahan states the baby was brought into Morris Hospital ER on Friday just before 1 pm by Minooka EMS. The baby was pronounced dead at 1:22 pm on Friday the 24th. An examination took place late Friday night.
Coroner Callahan states at this time no further details are being released. The two departments are being assisted by the Will/Grundy Major Crime Task Force Team and the Grundy County States Attorney’s Office.
Further updates will be released next week.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan along with Minooka Police are investigating the suspicious death of a 27 day old baby.
Coroner Callahan states the baby was brought into Morris Hospital ER on Friday just before 1 pm by Minooka EMS. The baby was pronounced dead at 1:22 pm on Friday the 24th. An examination took place late Friday night.
Coroner Callahan states at this time no further details are being released. The two departments are being assisted by the Will/Grundy Major Crime Task Force Team and the Grundy County States Attorney’s Office.
Further updates will be released next week.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan along with Morris Police Department is investigating the death of a 30 year old Michigan man. Gaylen K. Gavit was found unresponsive by his sister in the Park Motel in Morris Friday night around midnight.
Gaylen and his sister were traveling to Wyoming and stopped in Morris for rest. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Gavit was doing Heroin while his sister was sleeping. His sister Tamlyn Delgado stated she woke up and found him shortly after midnight and called 911. She attempted to give her brother Narcan which he was carrying himself. Mr. Gavit was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Callahan at 0115 hours on Saturday 8/11/18.
Examination will take place Sunday morning and the investigation continues.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan along with Morris Police Department is investigating the death of a 30 year old Michigan man. Gaylen K. Gavit was found unresponsive by his sister in the Park Motel in Morris Friday night around midnight.
Gaylen and his sister were traveling to Wyoming and stopped in Morris for rest. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Gavit was doing Heroin while his sister was sleeping. His sister Tamlyn Delgado stated she woke up and found him shortly after midnight and called 911. She attempted to give her brother Narcan which he was carrying himself. Mr. Gavit was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Callahan at 0115 hours on Saturday 8/11/18.
Examination will take place Sunday morning and the investigation continues.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is investigating the death of a 44 year old man from Crete Illinois who died at the Grundy County Fairgrounds Friday evening.
Preliminary investigation indicates Jason Parrott had been warming up his race car when he had engine trouble. Mr. Parrott was outside of his car pushing it into pit row when he became ill. Feeling chest pains, the EMS staff at the raceway began medical attention and called for Morris EMS. Mr. Parrott was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Callahan at 1855 hours on Friday evening 8/10/18.
Examination will take place Sunday morning and the investigation continues.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is investigating the death of a 44 year old man from Crete Illinois who died at the Grundy County Fairgrounds Friday evening.
Preliminary investigation indicates Jason Parrott had been warming up his race car when he had engine trouble. Mr. Parrott was outside of his car pushing it into pit row when he became ill. Feeling chest pains, the EMS staff at the raceway began medical attention and called for Morris EMS. Mr. Parrott was pronounced dead at the scene by Coroner Callahan at 1855 hours on Friday evening 8/10/18.
Examination will take place Sunday morning and the investigation continues.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing the name of the driver that was killed in a traffic crash earlier this evening.
20 year old Colson Brian Cole was pronounced deceased by Coroner Callahan 5:35 pm on I 80. Mr. Cole lived in Morris (previously of Plainfield) with his girlfriend and was on his way home from work.
Crash remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s Office and ISP.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing the name of the driver that was killed in a traffic crash earlier this evening.
20 year old Colson Brian Cole was pronounced deceased by Coroner Callahan 5:35 pm on I 80. Mr. Cole lived in Morris (previously of Plainfield) with his girlfriend and was on his way home from work.
Crash remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s Office and ISP.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan and the Illinois State Police are investigating a traffic crash on I 80 just east of the Morris East bound entrance Ramp. The crash occurred around 4 pm Thursday 8/9/18.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle was traveling west bound on I 80 and the driver lost control of the vehicle entered the median. The vehicle then traveled out of the median into the east bound lanes and was struck by a tractor trailer. The impact was with such force, the car was cut in half on impact and the front portion of the car was trapped beneath the tractor. This portion of the car with the driver trapped inside was then pushed approximately 300 feet east coming to a rest in the south ditch.
Extrication was made by the Morris Fire Department and EMS units.
The name of the driver is not being released at the time of this news brief pending notification of next of kin.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan and the Illinois State Police are investigating a traffic crash on I 80 just east of the Morris East bound entrance Ramp. The crash occurred around 4 pm Thursday 8/9/18.
Preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle was traveling west bound on I 80 and the driver lost control of the vehicle entered the median. The vehicle then traveled out of the median into the east bound lanes and was struck by a tractor trailer. The impact was with such force, the car was cut in half on impact and the front portion of the car was trapped beneath the tractor. This portion of the car with the driver trapped inside was then pushed approximately 300 feet east coming to a rest in the south ditch.
Extrication was made by the Morris Fire Department and EMS units.
The name of the driver is not being released at the time of this news brief pending notification of next of kin.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy Sheriff’s Department are investigating the death of a Seneca man, who apparently drowned in the Illinois River near the Railroad Trestle just east of the Seneca boat ramp.
Authorities received a call for a person in the water at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday July 21, 2018. The body was recovered at approximately 4:30 pm on Saturday. Grundy County Coroner John Callahan pronounced 29 year old George F. Lamboley dead at 5:45 pm. George is the son of Seneca Police Chief George Lamboley.
Coroner Callahan states preliminary reports are unclear as to how this incident occurred. There was no boat involved.
The death remains under investigation and an Autopsy will take place on Sunday July 22, 2018. Agencies were assisted by numerous area fire department’s water recovery units.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy Sheriff’s Department are investigating the death of a Seneca man, who apparently drowned in the Illinois River near the Railroad Trestle just east of the Seneca boat ramp.
Authorities received a call for a person in the water at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday July 21, 2018. The body was recovered at approximately 4:30 pm on Saturday. Grundy County Coroner John Callahan pronounced 29 year old George F. Lamboley dead at 5:45 pm. George is the son of Seneca Police Chief George Lamboley.
Coroner Callahan states preliminary reports are unclear as to how this incident occurred. There was no boat involved.
The death remains under investigation and an Autopsy will take place on Sunday July 22, 2018. Agencies were assisted by numerous area fire department’s water recovery units.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Department of Conservation are investigating the possible drowning in the Illinois River.
Coroner Callahan states he was notified of a body being spotted in the River just west of the area where a man had went missing on Sunday July 8th. ( Harbor Side Marina) Callahan states the body was recovered during a search by the Wilmington Fire Department Water Recovery Unit. Callahan pronounced 47 year old Baldur Kirsch JR. of Wilmington dead at 0945 today’s date of July 10th.
Coroner Callahan states there are conflicting details at this time as to how Mr. Kirsch actually went into the water, therefore there are no further details surrounding his death at this time. An autopsy was completed late Tuesday confirming the cause of death to be drowning.
The death remains under investigation by the Coroner’s office and DNR. There were several agencies assisting in the search efforts.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Department of Conservation are investigating the possible drowning in the Illinois River.
Coroner Callahan states he was notified of a body being spotted in the River just west of the area where a man had went missing on Sunday July 8th. ( Harbor Side Marina) Callahan states the body was recovered during a search by the Wilmington Fire Department Water Recovery Unit. Callahan pronounced 47 year old Baldur Kirsch JR. of Wilmington dead at 0945 today’s date of July 10th.
Coroner Callahan states there are conflicting details at this time as to how Mr. Kirsch actually went into the water, therefore there are no further details surrounding his death at this time. An autopsy was completed late Tuesday confirming the cause of death to be drowning.
The death remains under investigation by the Coroner’s office and DNR. There were several agencies assisting in the search efforts.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing details regarding a death investigation of a cold case of an unidentified female. The body was found on October 2, 1976 in a farm field in western Grundy County. Investigators from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police in conjunction with the Coroner, worked the case for a period of time. After several weeks of not being able to make any identification, the body was buried under the authority of the Grundy County Coroner. Not only were there no identification leads, but also the fact that the death was ruled a Homicide from a gunshot wound to the head.
Coroner Callahan states that at the time in 1976, authorities exhausted all possibilities with the investigative tools of that time. Today, there is so much more in the way of DNA, advanced fingerprinting, facial sketch artists just to name a few that my office felt it was an opportune time to look further into the death. Coroner Callahan also states, “I’ve known about this unidentified female since I started in the Coroner’s office in 1994 and it has troubled me that someone’s loved one is buried here and was never identified.” Coroner Callahan states that he understands that this is a “long shot” in hopes of identification and even further of any hope of finding the killer. I do believe my office has put together a very solid case presentation with the help of evidence that was kept by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Lab, along with NamUs.
The following is a current news release, along with the sketch and two articles from 1976, when she was found:
Grundy County, Illinois-The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in helping to identify a victim from a 1976 cold case. On October 2, 1976, the body of a Female was found in a ditch, located on the Western edge of rural Grundy County. The victim was described as a Female Black, between 18-23 years of age, with black hair, brown eyes, 5’7” and 150 lbs. With so much advancement in Forensic Science over the years, our office is taking a fresh look at this case. With the help of an illustrator, who was able to design this image to help depict how the victim may have looked at the time of her death. We understand that this is someone’s daughter and loved one. Please help us in bringing closure to her family after forty-two years. Anyone with information that can lead us to the identity of this female is asked to contact Deputy Coroner Brandon Johnson at the Grundy County Coroner’s Office at 815-942-3792 or bjohnson@grundycountyil.gov
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing details regarding a death investigation of a cold case of an unidentified female. The body was found on October 2, 1976 in a farm field in western Grundy County. Investigators from the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police in conjunction with the Coroner, worked the case for a period of time. After several weeks of not being able to make any identification, the body was buried under the authority of the Grundy County Coroner. Not only were there no identification leads, but also the fact that the death was ruled a Homicide from a gunshot wound to the head.
Coroner Callahan states that at the time in 1976, authorities exhausted all possibilities with the investigative tools of that time. Today, there is so much more in the way of DNA, advanced fingerprinting, facial sketch artists just to name a few that my office felt it was an opportune time to look further into the death. Coroner Callahan also states, “I’ve known about this unidentified female since I started in the Coroner’s office in 1994 and it has troubled me that someone’s loved one is buried here and was never identified.” Coroner Callahan states that he understands that this is a “long shot” in hopes of identification and even further of any hope of finding the killer. I do believe my office has put together a very solid case presentation with the help of evidence that was kept by the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department and assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Lab, along with NamUs.
The following is a current news release, along with the sketch and two articles from 1976, when she was found:
Grundy County, Illinois-The Grundy County Coroner’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in helping to identify a victim from a 1976 cold case. On October 2, 1976, the body of a Female was found in a ditch, located on the Western edge of rural Grundy County. The victim was described as a Female Black, between 18-23 years of age, with black hair, brown eyes, 5’7” and 150 lbs. With so much advancement in Forensic Science over the years, our office is taking a fresh look at this case. With the help of an illustrator, who was able to design this image to help depict how the victim may have looked at the time of her death. We understand that this is someone’s daughter and loved one. Please help us in bringing closure to her family after forty-two years. Anyone with information that can lead us to the identity of this female is asked to contact Deputy Coroner Brandon Johnson at the Grundy County Coroner’s Office at 815-942-3792 or bjohnson@grundycountyil.gov
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with the Illinois State Police is investigating a traffic crash on I-55 north of the Gardner exit Monday afternoon May 14, 2018. The incident occurred shortly after 4:00 pm, claiming the life of a 61 year old man from Broadview, Illinois.
Coroner Callahan states he was called to I-55 MP 231 around 4:30 pm. Preliminary investigation indicates there was a rollover crash in the southbound lanes of I-55 which in turn caused the northbound traffic to stop. At that time it appears a van traveling northbound did not see the stopped traffic and crashed into the rear of a midsize vehicle causing it to strike the car in front of it. The van then spun around and struck another vehicle causing it to roll onto its side.
Coroner Callahan states the driver of the van was identified as Stephen D. Fulse and was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:05 pm. Broadview Police Department assisted in the notification.
An examination will take place Tuesday and the investigation continues into the death of Mr. Fulse as well as the crash.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with the Illinois State Police is investigating a traffic crash on I-55 north of the Gardner exit Monday afternoon May 14, 2018. The incident occurred shortly after 4:00 pm, claiming the life of a 61 year old man from Broadview, Illinois.
Coroner Callahan states he was called to I-55 MP 231 around 4:30 pm. Preliminary investigation indicates there was a rollover crash in the southbound lanes of I-55 which in turn caused the northbound traffic to stop. At that time it appears a van traveling northbound did not see the stopped traffic and crashed into the rear of a midsize vehicle causing it to strike the car in front of it. The van then spun around and struck another vehicle causing it to roll onto its side.
Coroner Callahan states the driver of the van was identified as Stephen D. Fulse and was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:05 pm. Broadview Police Department assisted in the notification.
An examination will take place Tuesday and the investigation continues into the death of Mr. Fulse as well as the crash.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office is releasing more information regarding the body found in a private pond west of Morris on May 3rd.
Coroner Callahan states the autopsy was completed this afternoon May 4th and the body was positively identified thru tattoos and other physical evidence on the body. The body was identified as Terry Edward Brown, 45 year of age from Michigan. Mr. Brown’s vehicle was found in early December in a ditch just off of I-80 at the Seneca exchange. No one was around the vehicle at the time when police arrived.
Coroner Callahan states it is uncertain as to the events the evening the car was found in the ditch and the time since that evening. Coroner Callahan states when we have a death investigation such as this death where there are no witnesses, it is difficult to pinpoint the actions of the Mr. Brown. What we do know is Mr. Brown’s death is a drowning pending toxicology tests.
This incident remains under investigation.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office is releasing more information regarding the body found in a private pond west of Morris on May 3rd.
Coroner Callahan states the autopsy was completed this afternoon May 4th and the body was positively identified thru tattoos and other physical evidence on the body. The body was identified as Terry Edward Brown, 45 year of age from Michigan. Mr. Brown’s vehicle was found in early December in a ditch just off of I-80 at the Seneca exchange. No one was around the vehicle at the time when police arrived.
Coroner Callahan states it is uncertain as to the events the evening the car was found in the ditch and the time since that evening. Coroner Callahan states when we have a death investigation such as this death where there are no witnesses, it is difficult to pinpoint the actions of the Mr. Brown. What we do know is Mr. Brown’s death is a drowning pending toxicology tests.
This incident remains under investigation.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services are investigating an apparent drowning. Coroner Callahan states he was called around 1610 hours on Thursday May 3, 2018 to a private pond located at Rt. 6 and Seneca Road. The subject was discovered by a couple fisherman.
Coroner Callahan states a subject was taken from the water with the assistance of Morris Fire Department Water Rescue Team around 1800 hours.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Coroner Callahan states this death could be related to a traffic crash that had occurred several months ago at the Seneca exit. The driver of that crash had never been found.
An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow and more information may be released at that time.
This incident remains under investigation.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services are investigating an apparent drowning. Coroner Callahan states he was called around 1610 hours on Thursday May 3, 2018 to a private pond located at Rt. 6 and Seneca Road. The subject was discovered by a couple fisherman.
Coroner Callahan states a subject was taken from the water with the assistance of Morris Fire Department Water Rescue Team around 1800 hours.
The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Coroner Callahan states this death could be related to a traffic crash that had occurred several months ago at the Seneca exit. The driver of that crash had never been found.
An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow and more information may be released at that time.
This incident remains under investigation.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department is investigating a two vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Morris Woman.
Chief Deputy Coroner Christina Hintze-Symoniak is releasing the name of the Morris Woman that was killed on Rt 47 near Spring Road, yesterday evening, April 25th. 23 year old Sabrina M. Slater was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:50pm.
The crash remains under investigation by both agencies and an examination will take place the afternoon of April 26,2018
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department is investigating a two vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Morris Woman.
Chief Deputy Coroner Christina Hintze-Symoniak is releasing the name of the Morris Woman that was killed on Rt 47 near Spring Road, yesterday evening, April 25th. 23 year old Sabrina M. Slater was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:50pm.
The crash remains under investigation by both agencies and an examination will take place the afternoon of April 26,2018
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a two vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 23 year-old Morris woman Wednesday evening, April 25th. 2018
The Coroner’s office states that the woman, whose name is being withheld pending notification of the next-of-kin, was traveling southbound on Route 47 near Spring Road, outside of Mazon at approximately 5:30 p.m., when she was involved in the two vehicle crash. Preliminary investigations show that she went to pass another vehicle and for unknown reason did not see stopped traffic turning onto Spring Road and was hit head on by a North bound pickup truck. The Morris Woman was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:50 p.m.
The incident remains under investigation by the Coroner’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Departments were assisted by Mazon, Verona, Kinsman and Morris Fire Departments, as well as Mazon- Verona-Kinsman EMS.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a two vehicle crash that claimed the life of a 23 year-old Morris woman Wednesday evening, April 25th. 2018
The Coroner’s office states that the woman, whose name is being withheld pending notification of the next-of-kin, was traveling southbound on Route 47 near Spring Road, outside of Mazon at approximately 5:30 p.m., when she was involved in the two vehicle crash. Preliminary investigations show that she went to pass another vehicle and for unknown reason did not see stopped traffic turning onto Spring Road and was hit head on by a North bound pickup truck. The Morris Woman was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:50 p.m.
The incident remains under investigation by the Coroner’s office and the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department. Departments were assisted by Mazon, Verona, Kinsman and Morris Fire Departments, as well as Mazon- Verona-Kinsman EMS.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office John Callahan is releasing more information on the traffic crash that occurred March 16th at the Gardner Blacktop and Rt. 47 that claimed the life of Robert Hogg.
Toxicology results indicate Mr. Hogg’s blood alcohol content was 0.262 and in addition Mr. Hogg tested positive for THC and an anti-depressant.
Coroner Callahan states there has been a lot of concern with this particular intersection in the County. While there may be additional safety measures considered in the future, it is still a major concern of Coroner’s Office regarding Driving Under the Influence and/or impaired.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office John Callahan is releasing more information on the traffic crash that occurred March 16th at the Gardner Blacktop and Rt. 47 that claimed the life of Robert Hogg.
Toxicology results indicate Mr. Hogg’s blood alcohol content was 0.262 and in addition Mr. Hogg tested positive for THC and an anti-depressant.
Coroner Callahan states there has been a lot of concern with this particular intersection in the County. While there may be additional safety measures considered in the future, it is still a major concern of Coroner’s Office regarding Driving Under the Influence and/or impaired.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department is investigating a single vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Coal City man.
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing the name of the Coal City man that died in an incident on Jugtown Road sometime late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. 52 year old Paul L Ruffatti was found in the driver’s seat of a pickup truck pulled from Beaver Lake in Goose Lake Township on Sunday April 1, 2018.
The crash remains under investigation by both agencies. Coroner Callahan states if anyone was with Mr. Ruffatti Saturday evening or early Sunday to call his office with any information.
The incident remains under investigation by both agencies and an examination will take place April 2, 2018
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department is investigating a single vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Coal City man.
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan is releasing the name of the Coal City man that died in an incident on Jugtown Road sometime late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. 52 year old Paul L Ruffatti was found in the driver’s seat of a pickup truck pulled from Beaver Lake in Goose Lake Township on Sunday April 1, 2018.
The crash remains under investigation by both agencies. Coroner Callahan states if anyone was with Mr. Ruffatti Saturday evening or early Sunday to call his office with any information.
The incident remains under investigation by both agencies and an examination will take place April 2, 2018
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department is investigating a single vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Coal City man.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a pickup truck was headed Southbound on Jugtown Road when for unknown reason left the roadway and traveled close to 400ft, then corrected and went thru brush and timber and into Beaver Lake. The man’s identity is being withheld, pending next of kin notification.
The incident remains under investigation by both agencies and an examination will take place April 2, 2018
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department is investigating a single vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Coal City man.
Preliminary investigation indicates that a pickup truck was headed Southbound on Jugtown Road when for unknown reason left the roadway and traveled close to 400ft, then corrected and went thru brush and timber and into Beaver Lake. The man’s identity is being withheld, pending next of kin notification.
The incident remains under investigation by both agencies and an examination will take place April 2, 2018
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
More Details of Fatal
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department is investigating a traffic crash that claimed the life of a 41 year old Channahon man.
Notification was made late last night and the identity is being released this morning March 17, 2018. The vehicle was being driven by Robert G Hogg Friday evening. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Hogg was eastbound on Gardner blktp when he failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of Gardner Blktp and Rt. 47. Mr. Hogg’s unit stuck a large flatbed trailer that was being pulled southbound on Rt. 47.
Coroner Callahan states Mr. Hogg had to be extricated from the vehicle and transported to the Morris Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1845 hours Friday evening.
The incident remains under investigation by both agencies and an examination will take place Saturday morning the 17th.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
More Details of Fatal
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department is investigating a traffic crash that claimed the life of a 41 year old Channahon man.
Notification was made late last night and the identity is being released this morning March 17, 2018. The vehicle was being driven by Robert G Hogg Friday evening. Preliminary investigation indicates Mr. Hogg was eastbound on Gardner blktp when he failed to stop for the stop sign at the intersection of Gardner Blktp and Rt. 47. Mr. Hogg’s unit stuck a large flatbed trailer that was being pulled southbound on Rt. 47.
Coroner Callahan states Mr. Hogg had to be extricated from the vehicle and transported to the Morris Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1845 hours Friday evening.
The incident remains under investigation by both agencies and an examination will take place Saturday morning the 17th.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department is investigating a traffic crash that claimed the life of a Channahon man. Coroner Callahan states the incident happened near the intersection of Rt. 47 and Gardner Blktp on Friday evening.
At this time the name of the deceased is not being released pending notification of next of kin.
Remains under investigation by both departments and an examination will take place Saturday morning.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Grundy County Sheriff Department is investigating a traffic crash that claimed the life of a Channahon man. Coroner Callahan states the incident happened near the intersection of Rt. 47 and Gardner Blktp on Friday evening.
At this time the name of the deceased is not being released pending notification of next of kin.
Remains under investigation by both departments and an examination will take place Saturday morning.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Morris Police are investigating the death of an 18 year old Sandwich man in the early morning hours of Saturday 1/20/18.
Coroner Callahan states the preliminary investigation indicates Bladimir Ortega 18 of Sandwich was brought to the ER of Morris Hospital by a friend. The friend came into the ER admitting area and stated his friend needs help. Staff from the hospital approached the car with a wheelchair and placed patient into the chair. Patient had no pulse at this time. Patient’s friend told ER staff he would park the car and come in, however he left the scene and has not come forward. Life saving measures were preformed but patient never responded and was pronounced dead at 0123 Saturday morning. Coroner Callahan states that it is believed Heroin was used and Bladimir overdosed.
The investigation continues with an examination scheduled for later today.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office along with Morris Police are investigating the death of an 18 year old Sandwich man in the early morning hours of Saturday 1/20/18.
Coroner Callahan states the preliminary investigation indicates Bladimir Ortega 18 of Sandwich was brought to the ER of Morris Hospital by a friend. The friend came into the ER admitting area and stated his friend needs help. Staff from the hospital approached the car with a wheelchair and placed patient into the chair. Patient had no pulse at this time. Patient’s friend told ER staff he would park the car and come in, however he left the scene and has not come forward. Life saving measures were preformed but patient never responded and was pronounced dead at 0123 Saturday morning. Coroner Callahan states that it is believed Heroin was used and Bladimir overdosed.
The investigation continues with an examination scheduled for later today.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office and Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash, which claimed the life of a 27 year old Bradley woman. The Coroner’s office states that woman was travelling Eastbound on I-80 near mile marker 121 near Minooka, when it appears she came upon heavy traffic from a previous accident ahead, causing her to rear end a large box-type truck. The woman identified as Angela Dominguez was pronounced dead at 1:03 p.m. Notification was made to the family shortly after 4:30 p.m. by the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office.
The incident remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s Office and the Illinois State Police. Departments were assisted by the Minooka Fire Protection District.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office and Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash, which claimed the life of a 27 year old Bradley woman. The Coroner’s office states that woman was travelling Eastbound on I-80 near mile marker 121 near Minooka, when it appears she came upon heavy traffic from a previous accident ahead, causing her to rear end a large box-type truck. The woman identified as Angela Dominguez was pronounced dead at 1:03 p.m. Notification was made to the family shortly after 4:30 p.m. by the Kankakee County Coroner’s Office.
The incident remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s Office and the Illinois State Police. Departments were assisted by the Minooka Fire Protection District.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office completed the examination on Mr. Heinrich Sunday evening and preliminary cause indicates a cardiac event that could have been accelerated by a traumatic event that took place in his garage that evening. Mr. Heinrich had several health issues prior to the event on Saturday. Also after meeting with family members and fire officials it’s been determined that there was no explosion and that Mr. Heinrich had changed out the motor on his electric wheelchair sometime prior to the fire. It is unknown at this time what may have actually started the fire.
The death remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s Office and fire officials.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
The Grundy County Coroner’s office completed the examination on Mr. Heinrich Sunday evening and preliminary cause indicates a cardiac event that could have been accelerated by a traumatic event that took place in his garage that evening. Mr. Heinrich had several health issues prior to the event on Saturday. Also after meeting with family members and fire officials it’s been determined that there was no explosion and that Mr. Heinrich had changed out the motor on his electric wheelchair sometime prior to the fire. It is unknown at this time what may have actually started the fire.
The death remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s Office and fire officials.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office is investigating the death of a 53 year old Dwight man that was pronounced dead in the Morris ER at 1805 Saturday evening following an incident involving a fire in Dwight.
Coroner Callahan states that Mr. Donald Heinrich was in his garage in Dwight working with an acetylene tank when an explosion occurred followed by a fire. Mr. Heinrich is an amputee and was in his motorized wheel chair at the time of the incident. His clothing caught fire and due to the incident was thrown out of his chair. He was unable to crawl out of the garage and EMS along with other were able to free him from the burning garage. While EMS was tending medical attention to Mr. Heinrich, he went into cardiac arrest and CPR was initiated along with transporting to Morris Hospital.
Mr. Heinrich did suffer burns of his body however an autopsy will take place Sunday to determine the cause of death.
The death remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s Office.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office is investigating the death of a 53 year old Dwight man that was pronounced dead in the Morris ER at 1805 Saturday evening following an incident involving a fire in Dwight.
Coroner Callahan states that Mr. Donald Heinrich was in his garage in Dwight working with an acetylene tank when an explosion occurred followed by a fire. Mr. Heinrich is an amputee and was in his motorized wheel chair at the time of the incident. His clothing caught fire and due to the incident was thrown out of his chair. He was unable to crawl out of the garage and EMS along with other were able to free him from the burning garage. While EMS was tending medical attention to Mr. Heinrich, he went into cardiac arrest and CPR was initiated along with transporting to Morris Hospital.
Mr. Heinrich did suffer burns of his body however an autopsy will take place Sunday to determine the cause of death.
The death remains under investigation by Coroner Callahan’s Office.
Grundy County Coroner’s Office
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office and the Illinois State Police are investigating a single-vehicle rollover accident that claimed the life of a 37 year old Cicero man.
The Coroner’s office states that Sergio Rodriguez was travelling Northbound on I-55 near mile marker 226, outside of Gardner, when he was involved in the rollover accident. Rodriguez was transported to the Morris Hospital Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead at 5:17 a.m.
The incident remains under investigation by the Coroner’s office and the Illinois State Police. Departments were assisted by Gardner Fire/EMS.
John W. Callahan, Coroner
1320 Union St.
Morris, IL 60450
Phone – 815-942-3792
Fax – 815-941-3355
Grundy County Coroner John W. Callahan’s Office and the Illinois State Police are investigating a single-vehicle rollover accident that claimed the life of a 37 year old Cicero man.
The Coroner’s office states that Sergio Rodriguez was travelling Northbound on I-55 near mile marker 226, outside of Gardner, when he was involved in the rollover accident. Rodriguez was transported to the Morris Hospital Emergency Room, where he was pronounced dead at 5:17 a.m.
The incident remains under investigation by the Coroner’s office and the Illinois State Police. Departments were assisted by Gardner Fire/EMS.
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