UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2 at 3 p.m.
Autopsy findings of the individual found deceased in the Illinois River on the East Peoria side below the Murray Baker (Interstate 74) Bridge confirm his death was from drowning, pending toxicology results.
Pronounced deceased at the scene at 12:10 p.m. Saturday, August 31, 2019 was 61-year old East Peoria resident David B. Westphal by Tazewell County Coroner Charles R. Hanley.
This case remains under investigation by the East Peoria Police Department Detectives, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators, and the Tazewell County Coroner’s Office.
East Peoria Police and East Peoria Firefighters responded to a call at 1000 Bass Pro Shops Drive around 11 a.m. Saturday, indicating someone was found deceased in the Illinois River below the Murray Baker Bridge.
Police Chief Steve Roegge said a white male was recovered by the East Peoria Fire Department not far from the shore.
Someone on the water made the 9-1-1 call to police after seeing a body floating.
Roegge said Fon du Lac Park District Police also responded to the call in case a rescue was needed.
Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley said a 61-year-old man from East Peoria was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:10 p.m. The man’s name has not been released pending notification of family.
An autopsy will be conducted Monday morning. More information is expected to be released Monday afternoon.
