Burned Remains ID'd As Missing Wheaton Man: Police

WHEATON, IL — Human remains found on a trail in Wheaton Wednesday morning have been identified as a man who was reported missing the same day, police said Thursday evening.

Police say a missing person report was filed for the 56-year-old man, who was "determined to be endangered due to concerning text messages that displayed suicidal ideations."

Police say a fire was spotted before the burning remains were found near Lincoln Marsh in Wheaton Wednesday. The remains were found around 7:20 a.m. by a pedestrian on the trail, not far from the Union Avenue trailhead.

In a news release Thursday evening, police said both investigations were being done simultaneously, and after a thorough investigation in conjunction with the DuPage County Coroner’s Office, authorities confirmed the missing man was the person who was found dead near Lincoln Marsh. Wheaton's Forensic Investigation Unit of the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigations Team (M.E.R.I.T.) and Arson Task Force were also involved in the investigation.

Police said investigators have found no evidence of foul play, adding in a statement that "there is no known danger to the community, and residents can be assured that their safety is not at risk. "

"There is no information to indicate that this was a crime of violence or that any other individuals were involved in this tragic incident," Wheaton Police Chief P.J. Youker said. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased during this trying time. I would like to thank the community for their patience and our policing professionals for their work to provide some answers to a grieving family."

Out of respect for the man's family, his identity will not be publicly released, police said.

Related: Body Found Near Lincoln Marsh In Wheaton

The Wheaton Police Department is working with the Arson Task Force, The DuPage County Coroner's Office and the DuPage County Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigations Team's Forensic Investigation Unit on the ongoing investigation.

Youker said, "At this time, we have no reason to believe there is a threat to the public."