July 27, 2006

RYAN KATCHER FOUND 5 YEARS AFTER DISAPPEARANCE




Authorities: College student's body found after five years



OAKWOOD, Ill. (AP) — The body of a college student who vanished more than five years ago was found inside his pickup truck, which was pulled this week from a state park pond, authorities said.


The pickup was discovered in about 50 feet of water by emergency workers who were experimenting with new rescue equipment in the pond, Vermilion County Sheriff Pat Hartshorn said late Tuesday. Ryan Katcher's body still was inside the truck, Hartshorn said. Authorities planned an autopsy this week to determine how he died.


Katcher was a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of Illinois in November 2000 when he disappeared during a weekend trip home to rural Oakwood, about 25 miles from campus and a short drive from the pond. Authorities conducted an extensive search, including in the Kickapoo State Park area where the truck was found.




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