Shelby County coroner dies from hunting accident

SHELBYVILLE — Shelby County’s recently re-elected coroner was found deceased earlier this week from an apparent hunting accident in Coles County.

Shelby County Coroner Brad Phegley, 67, was found deceased in Lake Mattoon on Wednesday afternoon, December 6.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call made by a waterfowl hunting partner of Phegley. The call reported discovering the body of Phegley floating near their hunting decoys in front of a shoreline waterfowl blind near 3526E and 850 North Road in Shelby County.

Emergency personnel, including personnel from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and Neoga Ambulance Service, pronounced Phegley deceased at the scene.

A preliminary investigation of the incident suggests accidental circumstances, but the exact cause of death is still under further review.

The Illinois Conservation Police and the Illinois State Police’s Crime Scene Investigations team were called to assist with the investigation.

An autopsy was conducted Saturday in Bloomington to determine additional details on the cause of death.

Deputy coroners from Shelby County were supported at the scene by Moultrie County Coroner Lynn Reed.

The incident remains under investigation

Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds extended prayers and condolences on behalf of his department to Phegley’s family and the community.

Phegley was re-elected as coroner last month in an uncontested election.

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