View Larger Map of Vehicle Recovery Area on the Fox River in Batavia.
MON JAN 14 2008 0730 PM — Recovery operation of the body of St Charles resident Steven P. Bear, 59, who died of apparent suicide near 1 Logan Street Batavia, IL. Witnesses reported seeing a car drive in circles in the Batavia Boat Club parking lot and then drive into the Fox River. A public works employee reported a car in the water with headlights on at about 7:30 p.m.
Rescue/recovery operations by Batavia Fire Department were hampered by swift currents, poor visibility, and extreme cold; the recovery was resumed at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning. The car drifted about 150 yards south of the point of entry into the Fox River and then became submerged within minutes Monday night. The car — a 2006 BMW — was pulled up by cables Tuesday morning, covered with a tarp and transported to the police station. The body of Steven P. Bear, a .22-caliber pistol, and a note were found inside the car.