Coroner withholds preliminary findings in former Bloomington cop’s death

Posted on April 26, 2016

The body of James VanHook, 79, was found underneath a bridge in rural Danvers. (Photo courtesy CentralIllinoisProud.com)

By Eric Stock

PEKIN – Authorities have released few details into the death investigation of a former Bloomington Police officer whose body was found under a bridge on the Mackinaw River in rural Danvers last weekend.

Tazewell County Coroner Jeff Baldi says an autopsy on James VanHook, 79,was conducted on Sunday and toxicology results are pending. The coroner has refused to released any preliminary findings. Final autopsy results won’t be available for about six weeks.

Contrary to initial reports, VanHook’s death is not considered suspicious, according to Tazewell County Sheriff’s Captain Tim Gillespie.

Bloomington officials have confirmed VanHook was a police officer for the city from 1960 to 1988.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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