[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
Uh… what?
An Illinois man by the identify of Richard Maedge disappeared from his house again in April 2022. He informed his spouse Jennifer Maedge he’d be house early from work, however by the point she obtained house all she discovered was her husband’s automotive, keys, and pockets — however the man himself was nowhere to be seen.
When Jennifer reported her husband lacking, per FOX59, the Troy Police Department started their search on the house. They described the house on the time as a “hoarder” space, with a “sewer-like” odor. But they discovered no hint of the 53-year-old. According to the Bellevue News-Democrat, the odor coming from the house was so sturdy that even their neighbors and mailman picked up on it. Law enforcement returned when the spouse reported the odor however had been nonetheless unable to seek out something. A plumber informed her the odor was coming from one of many sewer pipes within the basement and lined it up. After that, the odor dissipated, they usually didn’t suppose any extra of it.
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No one noticed Richard for eight months, believing he had disappeared and not using a hint. All the whereas Jennifer informed Fox 2 St. Louis she might nonetheless really feel her husband’s presence within the house — which supplied her an excessive amount of consolation whereas they looked for him. Sadly, she was extra proper than she knew.
Right earlier than Christmas, Jennifer went trying to find her vacation decorations within the house, main her to open a closet which was considerably hidden beneath the steps — solely to seek out her husband’s physique inside. According to the native coroner, the person’s physique was in a “mummified state” — however confirmed no indicators of foul play or additional accidents.
Richard’s loss of life has since been dominated a suicide. So, so unhappy…
While talking with the native outlet, Jennifer spoke about what the loss is for her and Richard’s household:
“There are no words in my mind that I can say. He’ll be deeply missed.”
The late upkeep employee’s sister spoke to BND not too long ago, although, and he or she’s up in arms that police didn’t do extra. She demanded:
“Mistakes were made, and I want answers. If it means filing a complaint and going all the way to the governor, I will. I’m not going away. I’m just now beginning to say stuff out loud. I should have been screaming from the beginning, but I was suckered in by the police department saying they were doing their job and looking for him.”
Richard’s widow maintains the police would’ve by no means recognized the key closet was there as a result of it was hidden so properly. But didn’t she realize it was there? Why didn’t she inform them? And couldn’t cadaver canines have discovered him in a matter of seconds? We imply, the sister is true — police couldn’t have been trying very arduous, proper?
See Jennifer’s full interview from proper after she discovered him (beneath):
Such a tragic state of affairs. Our hearts exit to Richard’s household and family members as they navigate this unthinkable loss.
If you or somebody you recognize is considering suicide, assist is on the market. Consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, by calling, texting, or chatting, or go to 988lifeline.org.
[Image via Troy Police Department/YouTube/Fox 2 St. Louis]