Local News
Missing Jonathan McFarland Found Deceased After I-10 Crash Investigation in St. Charles Parish
ST. CHARLES PARISH, La. — A missing person investigation has ended tragically after a 45-year-old Louisiana man was found deceased following a multi-vehicle crash along Interstate 10.
According to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jonathan Terrell McFarland of Collinston was initially reported missing after he walked away from a crash scene around 1:30 a.m. on April 19, 2026.
The incident occurred on I-10 east near mile marker 220.
The crash itself was investigated by the Louisiana State Police, who responded to reports of a multi-vehicle collision in the area during the early morning hours.
During the course of the investigation, authorities learned that McFarland, who had been involved in the crash, had left the scene on foot.
Deputies and detectives with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office launched a search effort to locate McFarland.
Investigators determined that he was in the area for work and had been traveling to visit a friend in New Orleans prior to the crash.
Authorities searched multiple locations, including his hotel and the residence of his acquaintance, but were initially unable to locate him.
On the morning following the search, detectives, along with members of the Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, discovered McFarland’s body in a swampy area near the I-10/I-310 split, approximately a quarter mile from the original crash site.
His remains were transported to the Jefferson Parish Forensic Center, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause of death.
Authorities have not released further details at this time.
The circumstances surrounding McFarland’s death remain under investigation.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.