MAPLETON, IL – In a heart-wrenching twist, a search for a missing 61-year-old fisherman from Topeka, IL, ended in tragedy on Monday.
At 12:15 p.m., Peoria County Sheriff’s deputies were alerted by concerned family members after finding the fisherman’s vehicle near the lake on S. Reed City Rd. His boat, discovered partially submerged, hinted at a grim scenario.
A drone-assisted search led to the unfortunate discovery of the man floating lifeless in the water. While Illinois Department of Natural Resource Officers aided in the recovery, there are currently no indications of foul play.
The Peoria County Coroner will release the identity in due course, and investigations continue.
