Remains of Missing Man Found in Illinois Section of Mississippi River

An active homicide investigation is now underway in Moline, Illinois after the discovery of human remains buried deep within the muddy Mississippi river. Those human remains discovered three months ago in a submerged pickup truck in the Mississippi River have now been identified as Daniel Lee Claeys, an Illinois man missing since 2017, authorities confirmed Thursday.

East Moline Police Chief Jeff Ramsey said the case is being investigated as a homicide. Claeys, who was 29 years old at the time of his disappearance, was last seen on October 5th, 2017, leaving a mobile home park in East Moline. According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), he departed in a stolen older-model Ford pickup truck and had connections to Arizona and Florida, which we frequented.

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The vehicle, buried in mud near a boat ramp at Empire Park, was recovered by the Big River Rescue and Recovery Team on September 15th, 2024. DNA analysis conducted by the Rock Island County Coroner identified the remains as Claeys.

According to Chief Ramsey, the family has now been notified and have some closure knowing their family member has been located, with the identity confirmed. Authorities have not disclosed how Claeys died or the circumstances leading to the discovery. Ramsey emphasized that investigators are committed to uncovering answers.

At the time he went missing, Claeys had distinctive tattoos, including “CLAEYS” on his neck, “DAN” on his left forearm, and praying hands on one upper arm. He was also recognized for his hazel eyes, one of which had a cloudy appearance due to a corneal condition. Anyone with information about Claeys’ disappearance or death is urged to contact the East Moline Police Department at 309-752-1555 or Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500.