Illinois State Police are seeking the public's help as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the 2018 death of Tyler Smith in Galesburg.
Based on information uncovered during the investigation, ISP believes the events leading to Smith's death began around 11:43 p.m. Sept. 14, 2018, near North West Street and Cedar Fork Creek in Galesburg.
Smith, 23, of Rochelle, was found dead in Cedar Fork Creek in Galesburg on Sept. 15, 2018, after officers responded to a report of a body in the creek.
State police are asking anyone with direct knowledge of the events leading up to Smith's death to contact Sgt. Luke Kuehl at 815-632-4010, ext. 230, or submit a tip through the Illinois State Police Investigative Tips website.
According to state police, Smith had been in Galesburg with friends the night before he was scheduled to attend his final National Guard drill weekend in Macomb. Smith had attended Western Illinois University and was planning to pursue a career as a police officer in San Jose, Calif.
An autopsy conducted in Peoria County determined Smith died as a result of drowning.
The Galesburg Police Department initially investigated the death before requesting that ISP take over the case.
On July 15, 2020, Smith's body was exhumed and a second autopsy was conducted at the McLean County Coroner's Office in Bloomington.
ISP said investigators have since followed up on numerous leads, conducted additional interviews, and executed search warrants.
The circumstances of Smith's death remain undetermined.
