Body Found in Des Plaines River Was Missing Deerfield Man

By Steve Sadin 

The body of Ronald Kite, 69, a Deerfield man missing since July 29, was the person found Wednesday night in the Des Plaines River in Riverwoods just south of Deerfield Road, according to Chief Deputy Lake County Coroner Orlando Portillo.

Portillo confirmed Kite’s identity Thursday night after the coroner’s office completed an autopsy. It was originally scheduled for Friday but moved up a day because a pathologist and forensic odontologist were available. The odontologist was able to identify Kite from dental records.

After the examination, Portillo was able to confirm Kite was the person Riverwoods police recovered from the Des Plaines River Wednesday by a dive response team after being called to the 600 block of Thornmeadow in Riverwoods.

“There is no suspicion of foul play,” Portillo said. “We won’t know the cause of death until we get (the results of) the toxicology screen.” He said that usually takes 10 to 12 working days. “It’s routine,” he added about the toxicology screen indicating there is no suggestion anything will be found when the results are returned.

Kite’s family first reported him missing July 29. A Deerfield Police Department news release issued two days later indicated he may have been suffering from depression. He was last seen at the Deerfield Post Office July 28.