EDGAR COUNTY — Edgar County Coroner Scott Barrett has released details surrounding the death of an off-duty deputy with the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department, identifying the individual as Jordan C. Neill, 28, of Chrisman.
According to information provided by the coroner’s office, 911 dispatchers were notified at approximately 3:28 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, after a caller reported concerns for Neill’s wellbeing. The caller stated he had been attempting to locate Neill following concerns expressed by others and ultimately found him outside his vehicle at Payne Cemetery, north of Brocton, where he was unresponsive.
Deputies with the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene and, upon assessing the situation, requested the presence of the county coroner. Coroner Barrett arrived and pronounced Jordan C. Neill deceased at the scene.
An autopsy was conducted Thursday morning in Springfield, Illinois, by Forensic Pathologist Dr. Nate Patterson. Following the examination and review of available evidence, the coroner’s office stated that all findings are consistent with a suicidal death.
Authorities have not released additional details out of respect for the family and due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. The incident remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Edgar County Coroner’s Office, standard procedure in deaths involving law enforcement personnel.
Jordan C. Neill was an off-duty deputy at the time of his death. Members of the law enforcement community and local residents have expressed condolences, recognizing the loss as a profound tragedy for Neill’s family, colleagues, and the community he served.
Officials have extended their thoughts and prayers to Neill’s loved ones and asked the public to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. Further information will be released if it becomes available as the investigation concludes.
