Funeral services are set for a 21-year-old man from Libertyville who is being remembered as a “great son, brother, and friend” after he was reported missing and later found dead near his college.
The Normal Police Department said Matthew Listman, 21, of Libertyville, was reported missing on Friday.
Listman was last seen around 10:15 p.m. Thursday near Main Street and Orlando Avenue in Normal.
Police issued an alert seeking the public’s help in locating the man, who was a senior studying business administration at Illinois State University.
An investigation was launched and investigators spoke with Listman’s family and friends.
They also gathered information, including cell phone data and video from local businesses, in an attempt to locate him, police said.
Police officers located a body around 10 p.m. Friday near a creek in the area of the 900 block of North Main Street in Normal.
Additional officers and the Normal Fire Department responded along with the McLean County Coroner’s Office.
The victim was pronounced dead at 11:14 p.m. that day and positively identified as Listman.
The cause of death is being investigated by the McLean County Coroner’s Office but police said it does not appear to be criminal in nature.
A preliminary autopsy indicated that Listman died of drowning in the setting of cold exposure. Toxicology results are pending.
“Our most sincere condolences go to Matthew’s family, friends, and classmates during this very difficult time. Losing anyone is painful, but that pain is especially acute when we lose someone who is just starting their journey in life,” ISU President Terri Goss Kinzy said in a statement.
“Matthew’s passing is a shocking loss to our tightknit College of Business community, and he will be greatly missed,” Kinzy said.
An obituary for Listman said he graduated from Libertyville High School where he participated in football and lacrosse.
He is remembered by his family for his positive demeanor and “the ability to find good in everyone.”
“He was an old soul and cherished time with those near him. He was naturally talented in the classroom or the dancefloor, except for whistling or balancing on a pogo stick,” his obituary said.
“He may have been the world’s worst liar, which made you love him all the more. He was a true family man who cherished and nurtured each relationship. Matt was a great son, brother, and friend and will be dearly missed,” the obituary added.
A visitation is scheduled for 2-6 p.m. Saturday at McMurrough Funeral Chapel in Libertyville.
A funeral service will begin at the funeral home at 5:30 p.m.
The Normal Police Department said they will continue to work in collaboration with the McLean County Coroner’s Office on the investigation.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Normal Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 309-454-9593 or email cso@npd.org.