Body of Missing Chicago Pastor Unearthed from Des Plaines River
The city of Chicago is in mourning after the body of Reverend Warren Beard of New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church was tragically discovered in the Des Plaines River in Rockdale, Illinois. His vehicle was recovered from the river alongside his body. The discovery was confirmed by the Will County Coroner.
Last Appearance and Discovery
Reverend Warren Beard was last seen on July 2, with a license plate reader camera picking up his vehicle near the intersection of Jefferson Street and Larkin Avenue around 10:30 p.m. Authorities were alerted to possible video footage of a vehicle entering the river, and subsequent investigation led to the recovery of Beard’s vehicle from the Des Plaines River at 2:45 p.m. this past Tuesday.
While officials initially hesitated to confirm the identity of the body, Beard’s grieving family confirmed with certainty that the remains belonged to their beloved kin. The Will County Coroner later affirmed this identification.
Remembering a Devoted Pastor
Beard, a 53-year-old pastor assistant and Sunday school teacher, was remembered fondly by those who knew him. “He was the greatest person. One of the greatest men I’ve met in my life,” said Pastor Chenier Alston who had worked with Beard for 18 years at the church.
According to accounts, Beard had been in a jovial mood the night of his disappearance. He was known as a devoted family man and his sudden disappearance was considered out of character.
Local Reactions
Local community members filled the Auburn Gresham church, praying and consoling each other in light of the devastating news. “We are all hurting right now,” said Beard’s Aunt Theresa Boss-French. “We all know Reverend Warren Beard is not someone who would just disappear without saying a word to his family.”
Beard, a father of five, was known to frequently visit Joliet due to the friends he had in the area. His failure to return home and to his job with the Preservation of Affordable Housing the following morning raised alarms among those who knew him.
Investigation Underway
While the circumstances around Beard’s disappearance and subsequent death are puzzling, local officials assert that there is no immediate evidence of foul play. The investigation continues as the community mourns the loss of a significant figure in their community.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
