Missing Iraq War Veteran's Body Found Near Libertyville Railroad Tracks

The body of a missing war veteran from Libertyville was found Friday near railroad tracks, according to a Libertyville police statement. Missing since Dec. 1, 2014, Daniel Nerstrom, 30, was found about a quarter of a mile east of the Libertyville Metra station at about 10 a.m. Friday.

The Lake County coroner will conduct an autopsy.

At the time the six-year U.S. Army veteran went missing, Nerstrom’s family said he was distraught and “possibly suicidal.” Search efforts were mounted.

“His (post-traumatic stress disorder) is really what set this whole thing off,” his girlfriend, Amanda Tiffany, told reporters when Nerstrom went missing. “There are certain anniversaries of the war and it kicks in; he gets nightmares.”

Due to injuries and brain trauma, Nerstrom retired from the Army in 2009. The 2002 Libertyville High School graduate served in Iraq from 2005 to 2006 as a scout with the 3rd Armored Regiment. He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, according to his family.

Kim Nerstrom, his mother, told Tribune Media her son had an appointment at the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center on Nov. 23. The VA moved the visit to Dec. 6, then moved it again to Dec. 18, she said.

His mother said Nerstrom told doctors he needed help with his emotions.

Douglas Nerstrom told the Daily Herald his son killed himself.

“It was self-inflicted,” he said. “It is public knowledge he walked away with a firearm.”