A body found along a suburban trail was on fire at the time it was discovered by someone walking in the nature area Wednesday morning, police said in a new update.
The Wheaton Police Department reported Thursday that a person walking in the area of the Lincoln Marsh noticed a fire just off the trail and went on to discover burned human remains.
The department said it was called to the marsh around 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, near the Union Avenue trailhead.
“Fire by its nature is destructive, and it adds a layer of complexity to an investigation which requires more time and resources,” Wheaton Police Chief P.J. Youker said in a statement. “We understand that the community has questions, and we are working diligently to be able to provide more information."
It is now believed that the individual, identified by police as a 56-year-old Wheaton resident, had been reported missing by family after sending "concerning text messages that displayed suicidal ideations."
It is believed there is no danger to the public, and there were no signs of foul play in the case.
The man's identity will not be released out of respect to his family.
Local
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
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