Woodstock Man, 29, Found Dead On Abandoned Property: Coroner

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL -- A Woodstock man reported missing over the weekend was found dead on an abandoned property in Harvard, McHenry County Coroner Anne Majewski said Wednesday. The coroner has identified the man as Jeffrey T. Carlton, 29. Authorities believe Carlton died from an overdose, Harvard Police Chief Mark Krause told the Northwest Herald.

Carlton was reported missing after he left his home on Friday evening. Police searched for him on Saturday but did not find him. The McHenry County Coroner's Office was called to an abandoned property at 20806 McGuire Road in Harvard where Carlton was found dead, Majewski said.

Meanwhile, family members are remembering Carlton as a "kind, funny, spirited guy who was a truly gifted student, excelled at every sport he ever tried and a friend to all," according to a Donor Drive web page set up in memory of Carlton. In 2015, Carlton was diagnosed with schizophrenia -- a disease that caused extreme torture and pain to his mind.

His family is now hoping Carlton's story may help others realize that "mental illness is not a mental weakness."

"It is a disease much like heart disease, diabetes or even cancer, but we often act as if that is not true. We might think that if the person was stronger, had a more supportive family or if they could just get their act together, they wouldn’t have this problem," according to the Donor Drive website. "

As of Wednesday afternoon, just over $1,000 has been raised on the fund-raising site.

"We hope that with more funding for research in this area we can help create pathways that bring health and hope to other families who are battling this fight," according to the website.

An autopsy on Carlton was performed Tuesday afternoon. Majewski said an official cause of death is pending toxicology results.

More via the Donor Drive website