Human remains discovered in a nature preserve in a Chicago suburb have been identified as United Airlines executive Jacob Cefolia, who has been missing for over a year, an autopsy has confirmed.
Cefolia, 50, was found hanging by a belt from an uprooted tree in a densely forested area of the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien, Illinois, DuPage County Forest Preserve Chief David Pederson announced Sunday.
His wallet, driver’s license and a backpack with personal belongings were found at the scene. Clothing matching what Cefolia was last seen wearing was also uncovered. Foul play is not suspected.
Cefolia was reported missing on Aug. 8, 2020. His vehicle was found parked outside the nature preserve, but his body was never found despite a major multi-agency search of the 2,500-acre (4-square-mile) forest.
Police said the area had been searched multiple times. The area has a dense tree canopy, very thick briars and dense vegetation, and was not near where police found Cefolia’s vehicle parked, police said.
Cefolia’s body was discovered by contractors in an area south of a youth group campground. He was identified by a forensic odontologist through dental records.
“On behalf of the Forest Preserve District, I would like to send our sincere condolences to his family and friends,” Pederson said. “We hope this at least bring closure to his family and friends.”
