Doe-Nate Fund Goal:
This case is in need of funding to help cover the costs involved in solving it. Funds donated pay for expensive lab work and operational support of our volunteer team of investigative genetic genealogists. DNA Doe Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Description:
On June 10, 1971, an Amtrak train derailed near Tonti, Illinois – the first fatal accident after Amtrak took control of all passenger trains in the US the month before. Eleven people died in the crash, including one who remained unidentified. In 2025, a journalism student from the University of Missouri learned about the case, and made it his mission to identify this Doe. Upon exhumation, investigators confirmed that there were remains from at least two people interred together. This is the first Doe, believed to be a juvenile.
NamUs ID:
None
Date Body Found:
June 11, 1971
Race:
Unknown
Sex:
Unknown
Estimated Age:
juvenile
Estimated PMI:
hours
Agency of Jurisdiction:
City of Salem
Matt Wilzbach
618-548-6500
matt.wilzbach@danielswilzbach.com
More Information:
https://southernillinoisnow.com/2025/03/04/salem-college-student-makes-case-for-exhuming-body-of-unknown-victim-of-1971-tonti-train-wreck/
https://csanders429.wordpress.com/2022/02/05/tonti-site-of-amtraks-first-fatal-derailment/
Status:
Undergoing Testing
Image Credit:
Last Updated: July 10, 2025
