Body of Missing Man Found Floating at US Steel Site

By Melissa M.. Aug 14, 2024

The remains of a man missing since April have been discovered at an abandoned U.S. Steel property in Illinois. The grim find has left investigators piecing together the events that led to this tragic end.

The Discovery

On July 3, 2024, a group of explorers stumbled upon the decomposed body of Warren Baker, 44, while navigating the abandoned U.S. Steel pump house in Joliet, Illinois. The body was found floating in four to five feet of water inside the flooded structure. Joliet police responded to the scene, confirming the body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

The Missing Person Case

Baker’s family last saw him on April 28 and reported him missing on May 13. He was known to be unhoused and was last seen on East Cass Street in Joliet. Despite efforts to locate him, it wasn’t until the explorers’ discovery that his whereabouts were finally known.

Investigation Details

The Joliet Police Department is currently investigating the incident, with the final cause of Baker’s death to be determined following an autopsy, police reports, and toxicology reports. The U.S. Steel site where Baker was found has been closed for some time, adding an eerie backdrop to the already tragic circumstances.

Community Impact

The discovery has left the community in shock and searching for answers. Residents are reminded to stay cautious around abandoned properties, which can pose unforeseen dangers. Authorities have asked anyone with information about Baker’s activities prior to his disappearance to come forward.

The discovery of Warren Baker’s body at an abandoned U.S. Steel site brings a somber end to a months-long search. As investigators continue to unravel the details, the community mourns the loss of a man who slipped through the cracks.

References: Decomposed Body of Man Missing Since May Found Floating in Water at Abandoned U.S. Steel Property | Joliet missing man found dead in pump house ID’d, police say