Obits
LaSalle County, IL Death Investigation: Chicago Man Found in Well
Ransom, IL – Authorities in LaSalle County are continuing an investigation after a 20 year old Chicago man who had been reported missing was found dead in a cistern or well behind a Ransom property Mo
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-09-29T20:26:47.045Z
Ransom, IL – Authorities in LaSalle County are continuing an investigation after a 20 year old Chicago man who had been reported missing was found dead in a cistern or well behind a Ransom property Monday.
According to the LaSalle County Sheriff ’s Office, deputies received a report from the Chicago Police Department around 9 p.m. Sunday concerning missing person Isaias Gabriel Tirado Ramirez.
Authorities said Ramirez had last been seen around 6:30 p.m. Saturday at 2624 N. 15th Road in Ransom, where he was working as part of a construction crew. His family reported him missing to Chicago police after he did not return home.
The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office and Chicago Police Department then conducted a joint investigation into his disappearance.
Around 4:40 p.m. Monday, investigators located an unidentified man inside a cistern or well behind the Ransom property, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities said an underwater camera was used to locate the individual with assistance from the Mendota Fire Department and the MABAS Technical Rescue Team.
A forensic autopsy was conducted Tuesday, and authorities positively identified the man as Ramirez, 20, of Chicago.
The sheriff’s office did not announce a cause or manner of death in Tuesday’s release, and no information was provided about how Ramirez came to be inside the cistern or well.
The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office, LaSalle County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services are continuing the investigation.
The LaSalle County Emergency Management Agency and LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office have also assisted investigators. Authorities said additional information will be released as the investigation develops.