Crete, IL – Nearly 17 years after a mushroom hunter discovered a man hanging from a tree in a Will County forest preserve, authorities are still trying to learn his identity and are appealing to the public for leads.
The body was found on Thursday, October 9, 2008, at approximately 3 p.m. in the Thorn Creek Nature Preserve in Crete. A civilian who had been mushroom hunting came upon the scene and contacted authorities. The remains were significantly decomposed and partially skeletonized, making immediate identification impossible.
According to the Will County Coroner’s Office, the man is described as a white male, possibly in his upper middle age, standing around 6 feet tall. Due to the level of decomposition, his weight could not be determined. He had extensive dental work, which investigators believe could assist in identification.
At the time he was found, the man was wearing State Street brand brown loafers (size 13), Route 66 brand khaki pants (size 34/32), and a white and blue short-sleeve button-down shirt. He had a black and green backpack without any branding. Among his belongings were an unknown brand of cigarettes and a silver lighter depicting the Polish flag.
Authorities say the man may have been at the location for several months before being discovered, possibly throughout the summer of 2008. No personal identification or matching missing persons reports have surfaced to aid in confirming who he was.
The Will County Coroner’s Office and its Cold Case Unit continue to investigate and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported by calling 815-727-8455.
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