The body of a rural Effingham man was discovered in a soybean field near Funkhouser on Tuesday.
According to a press release from the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, a farmer was harvesting soybeans and discovered the body and personal effects at approximately 1:17pm and called 911. The discovery was made west of 1000th Street and south of US Route 40. Upon arrival by Effingham County Sheriff’s Deputies, the Effingham County Coroner, and the Illinois State Police Division of Crime Scene Services, an extensive search and processing were done to the area and the body and personal effects were removed for an autopsy that was performed on Wednesday morning at St Anthony’s Memorial Hospital.
Using dental records that were on file, authorities identified the deceased as 52 year old, Erik Douglas Nelson, of rural Effingham. Nelson had been reported missing on July 25th. At the time that Nelson was reported missing, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department conducted a thorough investigation, but all leads were exhausted. The cause of Nelson’s passing has yet to be determined; however, the Sheriff’s Department does not suspect foul play. The case remains under investigation.
We will update this story as more details become available.
(Photo courtesy of the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department)
