Drowning Likely the Cause of Russell Winkler's Death

Coroner has not yet released toxicology report.

The DuPage County Coroner's Office has released some information on what likely caused the death of Russell Winkler Dec. 22. Winkler's body was found on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, along the bank of Salt Creek behind Diplomat West Banquet Hall, just west of Route 83 at North Avenue. Winkler went missing in the early morning hours Saturday, Dec. 22, after he was last seen by friends walking from Mack's Golden Pheasant, 668 W. North Ave., at closing time. According to Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth, the coroner reported Winkler drowned. "The investigators believe that he may have tried to cross the creek and fell into the water, ingesting water into his lungs," Ruth said Jan. 2. Police previously said there was no sign of trauma visible when…

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Obituary

Visitation and Funeral Services Have Been Set for Russell Winkler

Friends and family will gather on Saturday at Pedersen-Ryberg and on Monday at Chapel Hill Gardens West.

With very heavy hearts we say good-bye to Russell J. Winkler, who left this world suddenly on Dec. 22, 2012. Russell was born on Aug. 2, 1967, in Elmhurst to Judith M. Winkler and Roger J. Winkler. He graduated from York Community High School in 1986. Russell was a loving father and had a heart filled with an immense amount of joy and pride for his two children, Andreana and Taylor. Anything they took an interest in, he was always there to cheer them on. Russell was the life of the party and brought a smile to everyone’s face when he was around. A devoted sports fan, he never missed the chance to cheer on the Bears, Sox, and especially the Blackhawks. He enjoyed days out on his boat and always wanted to have fun. Some of his many loves …

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Body Found Along Salt Creek Positively Identified as Russell Winkler

Elmhurst native went missing early Saturday; cause of death has not yet been released.

ELMHURST, IL – A body found along the banks of Salt Creek Monday afternoon has positively been identified as Russell Winkler, 45, of Bensenville, police said. Winkler was a native of Elmhurst and a 1986 York graduate. Related: Visitation and Funeral Services Have Been Set for Russell Winkler Winkler was discovered at 1:20 p.m. by friends who had been searching for him since he disappeared at around 2 a.m. Saturday, after he left Mack's Golden Pheasant at closing time on foot. Friends of Winkler's have said he left the bar in frustration after attempting to get a ride home. A cab reportedly was called to take him home, but he never got into the cab, sources close to the investigation confirm. The circumstances surrounding his death have not…

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UPDATED: Police Chief Says There Was No Obvious Sign of Trauma Found on Body in Salt Creek

But, he said it was too soon to speculate; positive identification is still pending.

UPDATED 4:26 p.m. Monday: Following is an update from Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth on the body discovered in Salt Creek Monday. "The call initially came in at about 1:20 p.m. today of a possible body or person unconscious behind Diplomat West in the creek. Officers discovered the body of a 45-year-old male partially in the creek, kind of hung up on some brush. "With the assistance of the Elmhurst Fire Department, the body was removed from the water and was transported to the DuPage County Coroner's Office for identification, cause and manner of death. "They haven't identified the person at this point. The cororner wants to make sure there is a positive identification with fingerprints. There appeared to be no outward signs of trauma …

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