Authorities in Danville are working to uncover what led to the death of a Rantoul man whose body was found near Stoney Creek on Wednesday afternoon. Police have identified the deceased as 45-year-old Stephen R. Petmecky, whose unexpected passing has raised concern among residents and prompted a detailed investigation.
Officers were called to the 400 block of East Williams Street around 4:30 p.m. after someone reported seeing a man lying unresponsive near the creek. When police arrived, they found Petmecky on the ground along the creek bank. Emergency responders attempted to assist him, but he was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival. The discovery shook the neighborhood, where the creek area is commonly used by locals for walking and outdoor activities.
According to early observations from investigators, there were no obvious signs of injury and no evidence suggesting Petmecky was the victim of violence. Police noted that they did not find wounds or indicators of a struggle at the scene, leaving the cause of death unclear. Because of this, detectives have not yet determined what may have happened in the hours leading up to his death.
Despite the lack of immediate signs of foul play, the case remains very much active. An autopsy has been scheduled, and the results—along with toxicology testing—are expected to play a crucial role in determining the cause and manner of death. Medical examiners will look into the possibility of a medical emergency, environmental exposure, or other factors that could have contributed to the fatal outcome.
Investigators are also conducting interviews and reviewing the area around Stoney Creek for any clues. The location, a mix of residential and open space, often sees foot traffic from neighbors and passersby. Police hope that someone who was nearby earlier in the day may have seen Petmecky or noticed something unusual that could help establish a clearer timeline.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact the Danville Police Department at 217-431-2250. Even minor details—such as Petmecky’s movements earlier that day or whether he seemed distressed—may assist in the investigation.
For now, the community is left waiting for answers. While the absence of visible trauma offers some reassurance that violence may not have been involved, many questions remain. Police emphasize that they are treating the case with full attention and will share updates as soon as official findings become available.
