LaSalle Coroner determines Jelani Day’s death; says no evidence of injuries

Posted on October 25, 2021
The case remains under investigation. (Photo courtesy: Illinois State University)

By Blake Haas

LASALLE COUNTY – The scenario surrounding Illinois State University graduate student Jelani Day remains a mystery; however, the LaSalle Coroner released autopsy results for Day on Monday.

According to Coroner Richard Ploch, the official cause of death is drowning in the Illinois River.

Investigators are still trying to determine how Day ended up in the Illinois River, but Ploch said there was no evidence of injuries.

“Although the examination was suboptimal based upon the degree of decomposition and predation activity while the body was within the river during a period of warm weather, there was no evidence of any antemortem injury, such as manual strangulation, assault or altercation, sharp, blunt, or gunshot injury, infection, tumor, natural disease, congenital abnormality, or significant drug intoxication.”

The coroner said the case remains under investigation, with members of the Bloomington, LaSalle, and Peru Police Departments, alongside the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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