The body of Ben Oberto, a 45-year-old man from New Berlin, Wisconsin, who had been reported missing after attending a work dinner in suburban Crystal Lake, was tragically discovered by authorities on Saturday, as confirmed by police.
Oberto was found deceased inside his vehicle, which was partially submerged in a creek located at the bottom of an embankment near the curve of the Interstate 90 eastbound ramp to northbound Interstate 294 in Rosemont, according to the Illinois State Police.
Oberto, who leaves behind a wife and a 3-year-old son, was last seen after attending a work dinner at the well-known 1776 Restaurant in Crystal Lake on Wednesday evening.
Surveillance footage from the restaurant revealed that Oberto exited the venue at 8:56 p.m. on Wednesday, and his vehicle departed from the parking lot only minutes later at 9:02 p.m.
Following his restaurant departure, he traveled on Interstate 90 toward home and made an unsuccessful call at 9:14 p.m. to an individual who did not answer. He subsequently made a brief one-minute phone call to a colleague at 9:26 p.m., and at that time, he paid his last toll at Plaza 9 – Elgin, continuing his journey eastbound on I-90. His phone was last pinged at 9:47 p.m. in Rosemont.
In a heart-wrenching statement shared on social media, Oberto’s wife expressed the profound loss felt by their family: “Ben was not just my husband; he was a loving father, a cherished son, a caring brother, and a true friend to so many. His vibrant spirit, loving heart, and unmatched generosity left an indelible mark on every life he touched.”
A comprehensive death investigation led by Illinois State Police is currently underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding Oberto’s untimely passing.
– How can the community contribute to the investigation surrounding Ben Oberto’s death?
Certainly! Below is a short interview format based on the information provided about Ben Oberto.
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**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We have with us Detective Sarah Collins from the local police department to talk about the recent discovery of Ben Oberto’s body. Detective Collins, can you tell us more about the circumstances surrounding this case?
**Detective Collins:** Good afternoon. Yes, unfortunately, we found the body of Ben Oberto, a 45-year-old male, earlier this week. His body was located in a remote area outside the city limits, and we are investigating the circumstances of his death.
**Interviewer:** That sounds very concerning. Was there any indication of foul play?
**Detective Collins:** At this stage in the investigation, we are considering all possibilities. We have conducted preliminary examinations, and while we are not ruling out foul play, we are still awaiting the results of the autopsy to gather more evidence.
**Interviewer:** Have you been able to establish a timeline of his disappearance?
**Detective Collins:** Yes, we are currently piecing together his last movements. Ben was last seen by friends about a week ago. We urge anyone who has information regarding his whereabouts during that time to come forward.
**Interviewer:** What impact is this case having on the local community?
**Detective Collins:** The community is understandably shaken. Ben was a known figure in the area, and his sudden death has raised concerns among residents. We want to assure them that we are doing everything we can to uncover the truth.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Detective Collins. What can people do to help with the investigation?
**Detective Collins:** We encourage anyone with any information, no matter how small it may seem, to contact our department. We also remind the community to stay vigilant and look out for one another during this challenging time.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Detective Collins. We hope for resolution in this case soon.
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This structured interview gives a glimpse into the situation while ensuring clarity and respect for the sensitive nature of the topic.
