BODY OF MISSING MAINE TWP. WOMAN FOUND IN RIVER
Monday, March 8, 2010 — A Maine Township woman reported missing in January was positively identified Monday as being the woman whose body was found this weekend in the Des Plaines River.
The body of Sangitagen Patel, 32, was recovered from the water Sunday afternoon by Cook County Forest Preserve Police in Allison Woods Forest Preserve, in unincorporated Wheeling Township. There were no signs of foul play. An autopsy by the Cook County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was drowning. After interviewing those who knew Patel, Cook County Sheriff’s Police investigators determined her actions in the days before her disappearance suggested the potential for suicide.
The identification of Patel was initially aided by the recovery of personal property, including jewelry, at the scene. Monday, her family positively identified her body.
Patel was last seen on Jan. 2 as she left for her job at a Subway restaurant in Wheeling.
