Naperville man drowned after car plunged into golf course pond

Preliminary autopsy results indicate a Naperville man drowned after his car plunged into a golf course pond, Will County Coroner Patrick O'Neil said Monday.

O'Neil said 54-year-old James E. Daw had underlying medical conditions, but would not elaborate on what they were or if they played a part in the Friday crash.

“The final cause of death will be returned after the toxicological report is completed,” O'Neil said. “There's nothing in the preliminary autopsy to suggest the victim suffered any injury in the crash.”

O'Neil also said that when Daw's body was recovered from his submerged car, he was not restrained by a seat belt.

Authorities said they have ruled out foul play.

Daw's car was discovered shortly after noon Friday near the 11th hole at the Tamarack Golf Club at 24032 Royal Worthington Drive in south Naperville, authorities said.

Officials believe Daw could have been in the water for as many as 10 hours before being discovered, a Will County sheriff's office spokesman said Friday.