Missing canoeist’s body found in DuPage retention pond

Authorities found a Bolingbrook man’s body in a retention pond near Woodridge Thursday morning, two days after his canoe capsized during an early-morning paddle. Police had been searching for 25-year-old Jeremy Asbell since he was reported missing about 2 a.m. Tuesday. His body was recovered about 6 a.m. today, according to DuPage County sheriff’s officials.

Police said Asbell disappeared in the retention pond near Woodward Avenue and the I-55 Frontage Road in unincorporated DuPage County while canoeing with another man. They said his companion swam to shore after the boat capsized, but Asbell never surfaced.

Police, assisted by rescuers from the Lemont Fire Department, conducted several searches of the pond but were hindered at times by underwater weeds and darkness.

The sheriff’s office said Asbell’s body was turned over to the coroner’s office Thursday to determine an official cause of death.