Body of Missing Palos Heights Man Recovered From Cal-Sag Channel

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — The body of a missing Palos Heights man considered endangered was pulled out of the Cal-Sag Channel on Tuesday. A barge captain reported seeing a body floating in the water early Tuesday morning. He has been identified as 64-year-old Robert Skoczen, Palos Heights police said.

Skoczen, who suffered from health issues, was report missing by his family Sunday morning from his home in the in 13000 block of Laurel Glen Court, Palos Heights. At the request of Palos Heights police, the Illinois State Police activated an endangered missing person advisory for Skoczen later in the day, who, due to his age and health condition, fit the criteria for a “silver alert.”

>>> Search Continues For Missing Endangered Palos Heights Man

Police bloodhounds initially tracked Skoczen’s scent to the Cooper’s Hawk Family Picnic Area near 135th Street and Ridgeland Avenue. On Monday, a search-and-recovery dog was brought in from Milwaukee. Skoczen was found in the water near the Harlem Avenue bridge.

The Illinois State Police will be conducting a death investigation. No foul play is suspected at this time, and Palos Heights police do not believe there to be any public safety threats.

Since learning of Robert’s disappearance on Sunday, the Palos Heights Police Department has reached out and received calls from numerous agencies and resources, in an effort to find Skoczen.

“The Palos Heights Police Department wants to thank the citizens of this and surrounding communities for the calls about possible sightings and the numerous offers of help with the search,” said Deputy Chief Bill Czajkowski.

Several law enforcement agencies joined Palos Heights officers, including: Orland Park Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Police, Cook County Forest Preserve Police. DuPage County Sheriff’s Police, Justice Police Department, GAK9 National Training Center, Illinois State Police, North Palos Fire Protection District and the Palos Heights Fire Protection District, as well as volunteers from the area.