By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
According to a release issued by Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth, on Tuesday, May 18 at approximately 7:50 a.m., the Elmhurst police responded to Eldridge Park for a report of a deceased individual in the lagoon. Upon arrival, officers spoke with an Elmhurst Park District employee who related that, while mowing grass in the park, several employees observed what appeared to be an individual in the water.
Elmhurst Park District staff then contacted 911 for police and fire services. The deceased individual was recovered from the water by Elmhurst Fire Department personnel. Elmhurst Police evidence technicians and investigators as well as the DuPage County Coroner’s Office assisted at the scene.
According to Ruth, the victim was 78-year-old John P. Ruane, who resided in Elmhurst. Because he suffered from numerous medical conditions, Ruane had been recently staying at his brother’s home in Arlington Heights.
On the morning of May 18, John’s brother discovered that his vehicle as well as John were missing. John’s brother contacted the Arlington Heights Police Department to report John missing.
At this time, the cause and manner of death have yet to be determined and this case remains under investigation. Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Elmhurst Police Department at 630-530-3050.
