Actions

Body found in river identified as missing Illinois State University student

Coroner Confirms Remains Found In Illinois River Are Jelani Day's
jelani day Cropped (1).jpg
Posted
and last updated

The body of a missing Illinois State University grad student found on Sept. 4 has been confirmed to be that of Jelani Day.

According to reports, Jelani Day's body was found in the Illinois River, and the LaSalle County coroner confirmed on Thursday that the body was Day's.

The cause of death is not known at this time. 

The 25-year-old Black man was last seen on Aug. 24 at a dispensary in Bloomington.

His car was found two days later in Peru, Illinois.

He attended Illinois State University and was reported missing after not showing up to class for several days. 

Day's family released a statement saying their hearts are broken, and they will search for answers to find out what happened to Jelani. 

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Sunday

04/12/2026

Showers Late

-° / 51°

55%

Monday

04/13/2026

Partly Cloudy

64° / 49°

5%

Tuesday

04/14/2026

Mostly Clear

74° / 49°

4%

Wednesday

04/15/2026

Partly Cloudy

77° / 51°

5%

Thursday

04/16/2026

Mostly Clear

75° / 48°

1%

Friday

04/17/2026

Mostly Clear

79° / 50°

0%

Saturday

04/18/2026

Partly Cloudy

85° / 54°

0%

Sunday

04/19/2026

Showers Late

88° / 54°

40%