Missing Man Identified After Skeletal Remains Discovered in Kewanee Park Restroom Tank

***A previous version of this story included information from The Kewanee Voice that was not properly credited.  We apologize for this oversight

A routine maintenance job at Northeast Park in Kewanee led to a shocking discovery that has now been connected to a man who disappeared more than three years ago, according to The Kewanee Voice.

A Disturbing Discovery

The investigation started on May 27, 2026, around 3 p.m., when workers with the Kewanee Park District made a shocking discovery. While cleaning out a waste-holding tank at a restroom on the north side of Northeast Park, they found what appeared to be skeletal remains. After realizing what they were looking at, an employee immediately contacted the Kewanee Police Department.

Kewanee police reported that workers found multiple skeletal remains, including what appeared to be a human skull, during the cleaning process. Officers immediately responded to the scene and launched an investigation.

At the time of the discovery, investigators treated the remains as potentially human, though they were waiting to confirm that they were indeed human remains and not animal remains.

Park Closed as Investigation Expands

The Kewanee Police Department was assisted by the Henry County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police Detectives, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators, and the Henry County Coroner's Office as authorities worked to process the scene.

Northeast Park was taped off and closed to the public. Residents were asked to avoid the area while investigators gathered evidence. Officials emphasized in their Facebook post that there was no threat to public safety.

Authorities Confirm the Remains Are Human

The following day, Kewanee Deputy Chief Michael Minx confirmed the remains were human and not any kind of raccoon or deer. The remains were transported to the Peoria County Coroner's Office, where an autopsy was scheduled for May 29.

Once the autopsy was complete, investigators announced the remains belonged to an unidentified adult. Authorities began collecting dental records and scheduled a forensic anthropology examination to help determine the person's identity.

Autopsy Reveals No Signs of Trauma

The autopsy found that there was no evidence of blunt force trauma, penetrating trauma, tool markings, or intentional dismemberment.

Investigators said additional forensic testing would be necessary before determining more about the circumstances surrounding the death.

Missing Person Identified More Than Three Years Later

On June 1, the Kewanee Police Department announced the remains had been identified as Daniel J. Cernovich, 47, who had been reported missing on Nov. 18, 2022.

Henry County Coroner Melissa Watkins confirmed the identification, and authorities said Cernovich's family had been notified.

Questions Remain as Investigation Continues

While investigators have identified the remains, the case remains active. A forensic anthropology examination is still pending as authorities continue working to determine exactly how Cernovich's remains ended up inside the restroom waste-holding tank.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Kewanee Police Department at 309-853-1911 and ask for the Investigations Division.

Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.