Wheaton Man Found Dead In Illinois River Near Starved Rock

LASALLE, IL — Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found in the Illinois River near Starved Rock State Park. The man, identified as Michael J. Warmerdam, 37, of Wheaton, was found deceased around 2 p.m. Saturday, according to Illinois State Police.

At press time, police said no additional details were available, but that the investigation is "active and ongoing." Anyone with information is urged to contact Illinois State Police Special Agent Novotney at 815-224-1171.

Warmerdam's death marks the third to take place near or at Starved Rock State Park in 2019. In late July, a 24-year-old Indiana man fell to his death while hiking in the park. In mid-October, a 30-year-old Bradley man plummeted to his death while working on a short film in the park.