Found Deceased WI - Edwin Steinacker, 58, Eau Claire, 20 March 2021

[mlhenn]

Man identified in ongoing Eau Claire missing person search

A man who went missing Sunday morning in Eau Claire has been identified by the Eau Claire Police Department.

Eau Claire Police say they are currently searching for 58-year-old Edwin Steinacker of Eau Claire. Steinacker was reported missing on Saturday, according to the ECPD.

According to the report, Steinacker went for a walk around 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Steinacker was visible on public space cameras at 8:20 a.m. in McDonough Park, according to the ECPD.

*I alerted a mod to edit date in title to 20 March 2021.

 

[mlhenn]

Authorities search for missing EC man

According to the Eau Claire Police Department:

•Edwin Steinacker, 58, went for a walk around 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
•He had not returned by that afternoon and was reported missing.
•He was seen on public space cameras at 8:20 a.m. on Saturday in McDonough Park.
•On Sunday LE began the search at the park, which is located on the shoreline of Dells Pond
•The search resumed on Mon.
•Police said nothing there is nothing suspicious about this case.

Eau Claire police name who they are searching for in Dells Pond

To Note:
Bruce's Legacy is assisting authorities on Monday. That is a nonprofit that provides search operations in waters across the country.

 

[mlhenn]

The latest on the search for missing Eau Claire man

March 23
Authorities in Eau Claire are on day three of their search for a missing man in Dells Pond and the McDonough Park area.

Police are looking for Edwin Steinacker, 58, who was last seen on a public space camera in McDonough Park on Saturday. He didn't return home from a walk.

Authorities say some personal items were found near the water at Dells Pond and now the Eau Claire Fire Department is assisting in the ongoing water search.

Police are not able to provide a picture of Steinacker, but they do say he doesn't have any known medical conditions like dementia that would cause mental distress or cause him to wander.

Police continue to say there is no suspicion of foul play.

 

[mlhenn]

Media was finally able to get a photo of Edwin.
Sadly, the search for Edwin appears to have become a recovery effort.

• 
• 

Family: Rescue turns to recovery in Eau Claire missing persons case

Dan Presser, Ed's brother-in-law, sent the following statement to News 18 on behalf of the Steinacker Family:

"Since late Saturday, members of the Eau Claire police and fire departments have put in an extraordinary effort to locate Ed. At first, it was a search in hopes he would be found safe and sound. However, when some of Ed's personal belongings were found in the river on the ice, the rescue efforts turned to recovery. As a family, we are heartbroken by Ed's loss and we are hopeful the efforts of the fire and police personnel will bring closure soon."

The statement went on to read: "We would like to thank the police and fire personnel for their diligence and dedication to a very difficult task. Our appreciation for their work goes beyond words. We would also like to thank Bruce's Legacy for donating valuable time and resources in the underwater search. It touches our hearts to be at the receiving end of this selfless gift of time and talent. Thank you also to the friends and co-workers of Ed who have reached out to comfort all of us during this difficult time."


ETA- I don’t see anything about whether his dog has been found or not.

 

[mlhenn]

Rain halts search for missing EC man as efforts turn to recovery

March 24
The search for a missing Eau Claire man has been paused due to inclement weather.

Eau Claire Fire Chief Chris Bell told News 18 they will begin searching again once the weather clears up.

Bell said they have searched all of the islands in Dells Pond on foot and have had boats in the water for several days.

He also told News 18 he is not aware of anyone finding a dog that looks like Steinacker's.

Steinacker's family said his personal items were found on the ice of Dells Pond. That is what turned the search into a recovery mission.

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

dog into pond, Steinacker into pond to get dog... maybe? hurts my heart...

Rescue efforts turn into recovery mission for mission Eau Claire man

March 25
Dan Presser, the brother-in-law of 58 year old Ed Steinacker released a statement saying Steinacker didn’t return from taking his dog on a walk around 7:30 Saturday morning.

Presser says when some of Steinacker’s personal belongings were found in the river on the ice, the rescue efforts turned into a recovery.

 

[AzPistonsGirl]

I have 8 dogs, I get it... assuming this is what happened... anyone who helps those who can't help themselves, I have mad love for. Ugh, his family... so sad for those who know and love this man.

 

[mlhenn]

I have 8 dogs, I get it... assuming this is what happened... anyone who helps those who can't help themselves, I have mad love for. Ugh, his family... so sad for those who know and love this man.

If this is what happened, sadly it’s the 2nd case like this I created a thread for within days of each other.

 

[PommyMommy]

MAR 26, 2021
NEW: Missing Eau Claire man's body found (wqow.com)
The body of a man missing for just shy of a week has been found.

According to Eau Claire police, Edwin Steinacker, 58, was found in Dells Pond by the Eau Claire Fire Department on Friday.

[...]

Police say there is nothing suspicious right now.

Body of missing man recovered from Dells Pond (weau.com)
Officials say there is still no sign of the dog.

**********​

Rest in peace, Edwin.

 

[YaYa_521]

I hate sad updates, yet I'm thankful when families get the answers they need. Rest peacefully, Edwin. I hope they're able to find your furry friend soon.

 

[Limecat]

What’s going on with people and their dogs going through the ice lately? This is another heartbreaking case and my prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

I do get it. If my dog was in danger I’d risk my own safety too, but it’s sad beyond reckoning.

 

[kelsie]

Just wanted to say Ed was well-known and VERY well-loved in his community. He helped those who were fired/laid off etc keep their self esteem (and sometimes sanity!) while job hunting.