Categories: General News

Body of Beloved Chicago Pastor Found in Des Plaines River, Investigation Continues Amid Mourning

Body of Missing Chicago Pastor Unearthed from Des Plaines River

The city of Chicago is in mourning after the body of Reverend Warren Beard of New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church was tragically discovered in the Des Plaines River in Rockdale, Illinois. His vehicle was recovered from the river alongside his body. The discovery was confirmed by the Will County Coroner.

Last Appearance and Discovery

Reverend Warren Beard was last seen on July 2, with a license plate reader camera picking up his vehicle near the intersection of Jefferson Street and Larkin Avenue around 10:30 p.m. Authorities were alerted to possible video footage of a vehicle entering the river, and subsequent investigation led to the recovery of Beard’s vehicle from the Des Plaines River at 2:45 p.m. this past Tuesday.

While officials initially hesitated to confirm the identity of the body, Beard’s grieving family confirmed with certainty that the remains belonged to their beloved kin. The Will County Coroner later affirmed this identification.

Remembering a Devoted Pastor

Beard, a 53-year-old pastor assistant and Sunday school teacher, was remembered fondly by those who knew him. “He was the greatest person. One of the greatest men I’ve met in my life,” said Pastor Chenier Alston who had worked with Beard for 18 years at the church.

According to accounts, Beard had been in a jovial mood the night of his disappearance. He was known as a devoted family man and his sudden disappearance was considered out of character.

Local Reactions

Local community members filled the Auburn Gresham church, praying and consoling each other in light of the devastating news. “We are all hurting right now,” said Beard’s Aunt Theresa Boss-French. “We all know Reverend Warren Beard is not someone who would just disappear without saying a word to his family.”

Beard, a father of five, was known to frequently visit Joliet due to the friends he had in the area. His failure to return home and to his job with the Preservation of Affordable Housing the following morning raised alarms among those who knew him.

Investigation Underway

While the circumstances around Beard’s disappearance and subsequent death are puzzling, local officials assert that there is no immediate evidence of foul play. The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of a significant figure in their community.


Author: HERE Starkville

HERE Starkville

Recent Posts

Former Columbus Police Officer Adam Coy Convicted of Murder in Landmark Ruling

Columbus Jury Finds Former Officer Adam Coy Guilty of Murder In a landmark ruling for…

6 hours ago

Elon Musk’s $1 Million Daily Giveaway to Swing State Voters Sparks Legal Controversy

Elon Musk's $1 Million Giveaway Raises Legal Questions Philadelphia – Elon Musk is making headlines…

7 hours ago

Drama Unfolds in Washington as Green and Poole Trade Taunts During Intense Game

Drama Unfolds in Washington: A Taunting Showdown It was a chilly evening in Washington D.C.…

7 hours ago

Tropical Storm Rafael Takes Shape, Threatens to Strengthen Into Hurricane in the Caribbean

Tropical Storm Rafael Forms, Heads Toward the Caribbean As the summer draws to a close,…

7 hours ago

Spokane Shines as Gonzaga Achieves Commanding Victory Over Baylor 101-63

Spokane Shines as Gonzaga Takes Down Baylor in a Stunner Spokane, WA - Last night’s…

7 hours ago

Starkville Witnesses Gritty Showdown as Texas A&M Aggies Secure 34-24 Victory Over Bulldogs

Starkville Witnesses Gritty Showdown as Texas A&M Aggies Secure Victory Starkville, Miss. was buzzing with…

8 hours ago