Human Remains Found in Field Near Funkhouser

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Published on October 18 2017 1:32 pm
Last Updated on October 18 2017 1:32 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Human remains found in a field near Funkhouser have been identified as those of a rural Effingham man.

An autopsy Wednesday morning identified the remains as those of 52-year-old Erik Douglas Nelson. At this time, no foul play is suspected.

A local farmer discovered personal effects and Nelson's remains in a field while harvesting soybeans at approximately 1:17pm Tuesday and phoned 911. The field was west of Funkhouser Road, approximately three-quarters of a mile south of US Route 40. The Effingham County Sheriff's Department responded, along with the Effingham County Coroner's Office. The Illinois State Police Division of Crime Scene Services were contacted to assist in the investigation. After an extensive search and processing of the area, the body and personal effects were removed for later examination.

Using dental records on file, investigators and the forensic pathologist were able to determine the identity of the remains as those of Nelson.

Nelson's family had reported him as missing on July 25. The sheriff's department conducted an investigation into Nelson's disappearance, but all leads were exhausted.

The sheriff's department reports that the cause and manner of Nelson's death have yet to be determined. The case remains under investigation, but authorities conducting the investigation do not suspect foul play.