LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
A press release issued by the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 17, announced the tragic death of Deputy Jordan Neill.
“It is with profound sadness that I confirm the loss of Edgar County Sheriff’s Office deputy Jordan Neill, earlier this afternoon,” the release said.
The Sheriff’s Office did not release the cause of death for 28-year-old Neill. They did confirm that Neill was not on duty at the time of the incident and that the matter is under investigation by “proper authorities.”
“On behalf of the entire Edgar County Sheriff’s Office, I extend our deepest condolences to Jordan’s family, his loved ones, and all those who served alongside him,” the release said. “This is a heartbreaking day for our agency and our community, and we are mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant who gave their time and heart to serving others.”
Deputy Neill served almost two years with the Sheriff’s Office. He was previously a member of the Indiana State University Police Department in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Just after noon on Dec. 18, Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett released details surrounding Neill’s death. Per Barrett, 911 dispatchers were notified at 3:28 p.m. on Wednesday by a caller who stated that he had been attempting to locate Neill, following “concerns that others had expressed about his well-being.”
“The caller stated that he had located Mr. Neill outside of his vehicle in Payne Cemetery, north of Brocton, and he was unresponsive,” Barrett said in a statement.
The Edgar County Sheriff’s Department responded to the dispatch’s call and upon their arrival, it was determined to dispatch the coroner. Neill was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy was conducted Thursday morning in Springfield by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Nate Patterson. All available evidence is consistent with a suicidal death.
This is an unfolding story and The Prairie Press will continue to provide updates as they become available.