A missing pastor was found dead in his car in the Des Plaines River, near Chicago, Tuesday night after he had been missing for a week, according to officials.
Warren Beard, 53, was last heard from on July 2 and was last seen in Joliet, Illinois, according to the Chicago Police Department. Beard was the assistant pastor at New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago.
Rockdale crews search for the vehicle belonging to missing Chicago pastor Warren Beard, in this still from a video taken by WLS, July 10, 2024.
ABC News/WLS
Video footage from July 2 shows Beard’s vehicle going through a gate and under a raised drawbridge before crashing into the river, Rockdale officials said at a press conference Tuesday. The vehicle was located underwater using sonar.
The road where the vehicle was seen was closed, according to officials.
Beard was found in the Des Plaines River approximately 150 yards west of Brandon Road in Rockdale, according to the Will County Coroner’s Office.
Rockdale crews search for the vehicle belonging to missing Chicago pastor Warren Beard, in this still from a video taken by WLS, July 10, 2024.
ABC News/WLS
An autopsy to determine the final cause and manner is scheduled for Wednesday, but the results have not yet been publicly released.
“He was the greatest person, one of the greatest men I’ve ever met in my life, and this is painful,” New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Chenier Alston told Chicago ABC station WLS. “We want answers. Words can’t even begin to describe how we feel.”
Illinois State Police is investigating the incident.
The community of a small town was left in shock and disbelief after the body of a beloved pastor was discovered in a submerged car, a week after he was reported missing. The tragic discovery has left many wondering what could have led to such a heartbreaking end for a man who was known for his kindness, compassion, and dedication to his congregation.
The pastor, whose name has not been released to the public, was reported missing by his family after he failed to return home from a church event. Search efforts were launched immediately, with volunteers and law enforcement officers combing the area in search of any clues that could lead to his whereabouts. However, as the days passed with no sign of the missing pastor, hope began to fade that he would be found alive.
Then, a breakthrough came when a passerby noticed a car partially submerged in a nearby lake. The authorities were called, and upon further investigation, it was confirmed that the car belonged to the missing pastor. Divers were called in to retrieve the vehicle from the water, and it was then that the pastor’s body was discovered inside.
The news of the pastor’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the community, as many struggle to come to terms with the loss of a man who was not only a spiritual leader but also a friend and mentor to many. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, and an investigation is currently underway to determine what led to the car ending up in the lake.
In times of tragedy, it is often the strength and resilience of a community that shines through. The congregation of the pastor’s church has come together to support one another and offer comfort to the grieving family. They have organized prayer vigils and memorial services to honor the memory of their beloved pastor and to find solace in their faith during this difficult time.
As the investigation into the pastor’s death continues, many questions remain unanswered. But one thing is certain – the impact that he had on the lives of those around him will never be forgotten. His legacy of love, compassion, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire others to live a life of faith and kindness.
