Crime & Safety

Body of Missing Canoeist Jeremy Asbell Found in Lemont Retention Pond

Bolingbrook native, 25, reported missing around 2 a.m. Tuesday after his boat tipped over, officials said.

4:30 p.m.

Preliminary results of an autopsy indicate 25-year-old Jeremy Asbell died of an accidental drowning, according to a release from the DuPage County Coroner's Office.

The report also stated that there is no indication of foul play or suspcious circumstances.

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This case is still under investigation pending pathology and toxicology results, the release stated.

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Search crews Thursday morning recovered the body of a 25-year-old man who has been missing since his canoe capsized earlier this week in a Lemont retention pond.

Lemont Deputy Fire Chief Jay Nickleski said searchers found a body around 5 a.m. Thursday.

In a news release, the DuPage County Sheriff's Office confirmed the body was that of Jeremy Asbell, who was reported missing around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

According to Lemont Fire Chief Carl Churulo, Asbell was reported missing after he and a friend were tossed from a canoe that capsized on the pond. The call was made from a home at 20W461 S. Frontage Road.

Crews discovered Asbell's body after two days of searching the pond, at Frontage Road and Woodward Avenue.

Lemont Battalion Chief Jim Sheldon described the pond as "very dark and murky," and said the thick weeds made it difficult to find anything during their first two days on the water.

Around 3 p.m. Wednesday, fire and police officials requested the assistance of the DuPage County Public Works Department, which brought in large pumps to lower the water level of the pond.

The body has been transported to the DuPage County Cornoner's Office, where an autopsy will be performed.

Asbell was a 2004 graduate of Romeoville High School, where he wrestled and played football. On his Facebook page, he listed his current residence as Darien and his hometown as Bolingbrook.

He is survived by two sons, ages 6 years and 21 months.


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