IL Woman Finds Husband's Mummified Body In Closet Months After Disappearance: Reports

TROY, IL — An Illinois woman opened a storage closet looking for Christmas decorations and found the body of her husband, who had been missing for more than seven months, according to reports.

Downstate Troy resident Richard Maedge took his own life, KTVI reported last week, citing a recent corner’s report. His wife told police in late April that he had said he was leaving work early and that she found her husband's car, wallet and keys at their home, but not Maedge himself, according to KTVI.

Police searched the residence, which they characterized as a “hoarder home,” but found nothing but a “sewer-like” smell, KTVI reported. Law enforcement later conducted a second search because of the odor, to no avail, and a plumber responded to the residence as well to cap a pipe, according to KTVI.

Months later, Maedge’s wife entered a concealed storage space in search of holiday items and found her mummified husband, KTVI reported.

Maedge’s sister has accused police of conducting a shoddy investigation, according to the Belleville News-Democrat, which reported police did not respond to requests for comment.

Maedge, 53, was a regular attendee of Friedens United Church of Christ in Troy, according to his obituary, which referred to him as the ultimate “Mr. Fix It.” He rooted for the Blues and the Cardinals and enjoyed NASCAR. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children and three grandchildren.