The coroner has released the identity of a “beloved” 57-year-old Crystal Lake man, who was a father and grandfather, that was found dead along the side of Route 176 after being reported missing Saturday morning.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department responded around 6:59 a.m. Saturday to the 4300 block of Route 176 in Prairie Grove for a report of a person down call.
A 911 caller reported finding a male lying face down in the grass, according to emergency radio traffic.
McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein identified him on Monday as Jon Surch, 57, of Crystal Lake.
The caller reported the victim was not responsive and his breathing was unknown.
A witness reported Surch was found on the north side of Route 176 just west of the new residential development of Lennar at Woodlore Townes.
Prairie Grove Chief of Police Michael Goins said a sheriff’s deputy was already in the area searching for Surch, who was reported missing to the sheriff’s office hours earlier.
The deputy discovered Surch was deceased at the scene, Goins said.
The McHenry County Coroner’s Office was notified and the Prairie Grove Police Department also responded.
Officers did not observe any obvious signs of trauma or signs of a vehicle crash, Goins said.
A preliminary investigation indicates Surch possibly suffered a medical emergency while walking, Goins said.
The sheriff’s office issued a community alert saying there was an active police investigation underway.
No threat to the community was reported, the sheriff’s office said, adding that Route 176 was shut down.
Deputies closed Route 176 from Smith Road to Route 31 for several hours on Saturday morning.
Surch was reported missing by his wife and the two resided at a home approximately a half-mile away in unincorporated Crystal Lake.
Route 176 was reopened around 10:15 a.m. to vehicle traffic as the scene investigation concluded.
Rein said an autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Surch on Tuesday.
An obituary for Surch said he was a “beloved” husband, friend, father of two and grandfather of two.
“He had a gift for bringing new life to old things and was always happiest when he had a project underway. Whether restoring something worn or helping someone in need, he was always willing to lend a hand,“ his obituary said.
Surch and his wife shared a love of travel, with memorable highlights that included trips to Italy and Napa Valley with friends, his obituary said.
“Summers were often spent camping with family, especially at Peninsula State Park in Door County, where many cherished memories were made. Above all, he treasured time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren,” his obituary said.
A funeral visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m. on February 28 until the service, which is set to begin at 2 p.m., at Davenport Family Funeral Home in Crystal Lake.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Prairie Grove Police Department at 815-455-3918.