Skeletal Remains Of Missing Frankfort Square Man Found

FRANKFORT, IL — Two months after he was reported missing, a dog-walker discovered the skeletal remains of 55-year-old Frankfort Square resident Luis Padilla, the Will County Sheriff's Office said Saturday.

Deputies responded to the 21300 block of River Road in Frankfort just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday to a report of a body that was found.

Police said a resident was walking his dog in the area of Woodvale and River roads when the dog got loose from its leash and ran off into the woods. The dog led the man to the skeletal remains, found in a heavily wooded area off the road.

Police said the remains were scattered over a large area due to animal activity. Near the remains, deputies found a light blue bicycle that matched the description of Padilla's.

Authorities were able to identify Padilla due to clothing recovered at the scene as well as Padilla's wallet, which was found nearby with his identification.

In a statement, Sheriff Mike Kelley and the entire Will County Sheriff's Department extended their condolences to Padilla's family.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Padilla’s family and friends during this difficult time," the sheriff's office said. "This is an unfortunate conclusion to a several month’s long investigation, which was assisted by numerous law enforcement agencies and search and rescue partners."

Kelley also thanked the agencies and volunteers who helped search for Padilla.

Related: No New Evidence After Saturday's Search For Frankfort Square Man

Padilla was last seen leaving his home on North Avenue in Frankfort Square between 10 and 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, with his blue bicycle.

Police said his remains were discovered several miles away from his home and were not along his usual bike route.

Padilla's remains were turned over to the Will County Coroner's Office so an autopsy can be conducted to determine his cause and manner of death.