A 52-year-old Elgin man who was reported missing in late January was found dead in a creek in West Dundee Monday morning.
On January 22, 2026, a family member of Joseph Johnson, contacted Elgin police to report that Mr. Johnson had not been seen since January 14, 2026, in Elgin, and did not believe Mr. Johnson to be in danger or a danger to himself.
Detectives from the Major Investigations Division began an investigation and spoke with family and friends, reviewed surveillance videos and canvassed locations he was known to frequent. Detectives were able to determine that Mr. Johnson was last seen on January 16, 2026, around the area of the 500 block of Tollgate Road in Elgin and continued their investigative efforts to locate Mr. Johnson.
On Monday the West Dundee Police Department contacted the Elgin Police Department advising that a deceased subject was found in Jelkes Creek near South 8th Street and Boncosky Road in West Dundee. The Elgin Fire Department removed an adult male, subsequently identified as Mr. Johnson, from the water.
After an autopsy, the Kane County Coroner’s Office stated that the preliminary cause of death appears to be drowning, pending toxicology results. This case is now considered an active death investigation.
