Body of missing hiker found in Shawnee National Forest

The body of a hiker that's been lost since Sunday has been found at a campsite in the Shawnee National Forest.

According to a press release issued by Union County Sherriff Scott Harvel, the Sheriff’s office received a report on Tuesday, Oct. 22, regarding a lost hiker in the Pine Hills area of Union County, which is part of the Shawnee National Forrest.

The U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement initiated a search of the area, specifically the River to River Trail, after receiving information that the lost hiker had failed to reach his destination, which he was scheduled to arrive at on Monday, Oct. 21.

According to the report, at approximately 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Union County Sheriff’s Office received information from horseback riders that they had discovered the body of a male at a campsite at the edge of Hutchins Creek.

The location of the campsite was between Bald Knob Cross and the Pine Hills area on the River to River Trail.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed the body found to be the lost hiker, 68-year-old Don L. Wall from Texico, Ill.

The investigation continues into the manner of Wall’s death by the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Illinois Conservation Police, U.S Forest Service Law Enforcement and the Union County Coroner's Office.