Carlos Gonzalez dies in fatal Pekin, Illinois river incident
Fatal Pekin, Illinois river incident death of Carlos Gonzalez
The Tazewell County Coroner’s Office has officially identified the individual recovered Wednesday morning from the Illinois River in Pekin as a 20-year-old man from rural Manito.
According to the Pekin Police Department, emergency services were dispatched at 8:46 a.m. on Wednesday following a citizen’s report spotting a body in the river. Rescue efforts led to the recovery of the deceased, prompting an investigation by the Tazewell County Coroner’s Office and Pekin police authorities.
Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley declared Carlos Gonzalez, 20, of rural Manito deceased at the scene at 9:10 a.m. Wednesday. Hanley disclosed that Peoria police officers observed Gonzalez jump from the Bob Michel Bridge into the river at 11:02 a.m. Monday. This sighting initiated search and rescue operations by multiple Peoria Fire Department crews over Monday and Tuesday.
Positive identification has been confirmed, and Gonzalez’s relatives have been notified, stated Hanley. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning.
The Pekin Police Department, along with the Peoria Police Department and the Tazewell County Coroner’s Office, are conducting this case. Fire Department personnel provided support at the scene.
If you or someone you know requires mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the Illinois Department of Human Services 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.
Further information: Body discovered in vacant lot behind Costco store in East Peoria
_(This story was updated to incorporate additional information.)_
