Update: Businessman Found in Chicago River

Missing Massachusetts businessman, Matt Soumakis, 31, was identified yesterday when police pulled a body from the Chicago River. Soumakis was reported missing on Dec. 6. He was in Chicago attending the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ National Winter Meeting and was staying at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, where the NAIC Meeting was held.

The Chicago Police Marine Unit found the body at 9:30 a.m.,Tuesday, near Halsted and Division streets, approximately two miles from the Sheraton. Soumakis’ wallet was used to identify him.

Soumakis was last seen in the early morning hours of Dec. 6 leaving a Streeterville neighborhood bar with a well-dressed, older man. Suspicions surrounding the older man were dismissed when Chicago Police learned that Somoukis was later seen leaving the Sheraton Hotel alone, after the encounter.

At this writing, it is unclear whether the police are considering foul play, an accident or a suicide as the cause of death.

Police found Soumakis’ personal items including luggage, a laptop and other belongings in his hotel room shortly after he was reported missing. He worked for a company in Massachusetts. Soumakis was married and he and his wife, Kelly, were expecting their first child.

Topics Law Enforcement