Update: Identity of the River Suicide Victim Released

This story was written by Patch Editor Karen Sorensen

Update/posted 10:50 a.m. Wednesday:

The man who died after jumping into the Des Plaines River Tuesday afternoon was identified at Ricky T. Neal, 31, of Joliet, by the Will County Coroner's Office.

Neal was pronounced dead at 4:59 p.m. Tuesday at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. An autopsy was conducted Wednesday, with the cause of death determined to be apparent drowning, the office said.

Information on why Neal jumped from the bridge at 140 W. Jefferson St. was not released.

Original story/posted 10:30 p.m. Tuesday:

Joliet rescuers were unable to save a man who jumped into the Des Plaines River Thursday afternoon.

Although the victim showed vital signs when pulled from the water, efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the hospital, according to a story in the Joliet Herald News.

The man was observed by Joliet Police Department employees when he jumped into the river at about 3:50 p.m. at or near the Jefferson Street Bridge on the west side of the river, the story. The department's employee parking lot is across from the west river wall. 

The victim's identity has not yet been released.