Aurora man found dead in Batavia was reforming his life
Brett Straight was trying to turn his life around.
After six convictions in 2010 and 2011 in DuPage County for inhaling computer-dusting spray to get high, he joined the Master’s Touch residential program at Wayside Cross Ministries in Aurora.
He was due to graduate from the six-month treatment program next week.
But Monday morning, a passer-by found Straight’s body along the Fox River Trail on the west side of the Fox River in Batavia.
Batavia police say they don’t know what caused his death, but are calling it “suspicious” until the Kane County coroner’s office provides a cause of death. Detective Kevin Bretz said police do not suspect foul play.
Police said Straight had a head injury, and that they found his bicycle at the scene.
“Here is a guy who acknowledged he had a behavioral issue and he sought a Christ-centered, Bible-based solution to his problem,” said Randy Tomassi, director of the Master’s Touch program. “He was working hard on them.”
The program involves daily Bible study and worship, counseling, help pursuing a GED, computer training and work on job skills. It is for men with drug, alcohol or other “destructive” behaviors, Tomassi said. At graduation, people can stay, move to transitional housing, or move out on their own.
Straight, 46, “Was a model resident. As a Bible student, he was at the top of his class,” Tomassi said.
Straight noted his progress on his Facebook page. On May 9 he posted about having his “first sober B-day in a long time.”
And on May 18, he posted his excitement at being able to take a 40-mile bicycle ride to Elgin and back.
As of Tuesday early evening, police were waiting for the cause of death and results from toxicology tests on blood and tissues. An autopsy was performed Monday.
Batavia Deputy Chief Glenn Autenrieth said there’s nothing to indicate the public is in any danger using the trail.