On Monday, October 19, 2015, at approximately 11:25 a.m., Whiteside County Sheriff’s Deputies and Whiteside County Coroner’s Office responded to a residence in rural Rock Falls, IL. The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office and Whiteside County Coroner’s Office are conducting investigation of the death of Donald E. Hughes, 58 of Rock Falls. Hughes was found deceased inside his residence.
An autopsy was conducted Tuesday, October 20, and the results are inconclusive at this time. We are waiting for toxicology reports to come back, however this may take two-to-four weeks. During this time the Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the death of Hughes.
The Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Sterling and Rock Falls Police Departments as well as the Illinois State Police.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to stress that the public is not in danger.