TAZEWELL COUNTY, Ill. — The Tazewell County community is mourning the loss of 59-year-old Eric Burlingame, who was found dead Thursday afternoon more than a week after being reported missing. Burlingame was discovered along Shiloh Road in rural Hopedale and was pronounced deceased at 1:30 p.m., according to Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley.
Hanley stated that the location where Burlingame was found had been covered by large snow drifts following recent snowfall. Officials said there are no signs of foul play at this time. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the official cause and manner of death.
Burlingame’s family reported him missing on Dec. 14 after not hearing from him for several days. Local authorities and community members conducted extensive searches in the area in the days that followed, hoping to locate him safely.
A joint investigation is underway by the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, the Tazewell County Coroner’s Office, and the Illinois State Police to fully understand the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and passing. Authorities have encouraged anyone with information to come forward to assist the ongoing investigation.
Burlingame’s sudden passing has left family, friends, and neighbors grieving, as the community reflects on the life of a man who was well-known and respected in Hopedale and surrounding areas.