Body of missing Chicago pastor found in Des Plaines River

The body of a missing Chicago pastor, Warren Beard, has been found in his car submerged in the Des Plaines River. Beard, 53, was last seen on July 2 in Joliet, Illinois, and an intensive search effort was launched to locate him. The search culminated in a grim revelation on Tuesday night when authorities confirmed that Beard’s body was found inside his submerged vehicle in the Des Plaines River near Rockdale.

According to reports, surveillance footage from the night of July 2 showed Beard’s vehicle passing through a gate and plunging into the river under a raised drawbridge. The vehicle was located using sonar technology nearly a week later after authorities were notified of the footage showing the vehicle’s entry into the river.

Beard was the assistant pastor at New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago and was described by his colleagues as a “big-hearted, honest, and family man.” His death has sent shockwaves through the community, and his congregation has gathered to mourn and remember him.

The cause of Beard’s death has not yet been determined, and an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday. The investigation is ongoing, with the Illinois State Police and the Chicago Police Department working together to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. 17GEN4.com