HARRISBURG, Ill.—Police were called to South Land Street in Harrisburg this morning to investigate what sources close to the investigation believe is a suicide.
Sources indicate that 96-year-old Hack Wilson died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the heart sometime during the hours of 9 p.m. Saturday, April 21 and 7 a.m. Sunday, April 22.
Preliminary information to Disclosure indicates that a woman hired to check on the elderly Mr. Wilson arrived early the morning of April 22 and couldn’t find him. After searching the house, she began to look outside and is believed to have found Wilson’s body at the corner of the property where he lived.
Although Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators are on scene, those close to the family do not believe any foul play is involved.
“I am certain they will rule this a suicide,” said a source close to the family. “They are just going through the motions of ruling out anything else.”
Sources indicate that Wilson had been ill for several years and had lately become despondent.
“He may have felt he was a burden to those around him and couldn’t take it anymore,” one source said. “He was such a sweet old man. This is gut wrenching.”
As of 10:12 a.m. Wilson’s body had not been moved and authorities were still on scene collecting evidence.
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