He vanished mid-swim, and no one could help. Joshua Ellis, 48, was last seen on October 4, 2025, attempting to cross the Illinois River near the Marshall–Putnam County line. Witnesses said he entered the water from the Marshall County side and appeared to be moving steadily toward Putnam, but moments later, he began to struggle before disappearing beneath the surface.
Emergency crews were called immediately, but the river’s swift current made rescue impossible. Multiple agencies, including the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Putnam County Emergency Management, and the Peoria Dive Team, launched an overnight search using sonar-equipped boats. On October 5, divers recovered Joshua’s body downstream. He was officially pronounced dead by the Putnam County investigator, who confirmed the cause as accidental drowning.
Joshua’s loss has left the communities of Princeton and Putnam County in mourning. Known for his grounded nature and generosity, he was someone friends described as dependable, compassionate, and deeply connected to the outdoors. Whether fishing by the riverbank, hiking quiet trails, or simply enjoying time in nature, Joshua found peace in the natural world.
Since news of his passing, neighbors and friends have filled social media with tributes, remembering his steady humor, reliability, and calm spirit. Plans are underway for a memorial gathering along the Illinois River — a place that brought Joshua comfort throughout his life, and where candles and flowers will now honor his memory.
Joshua Ellis’s sudden passing is a heartbreaking reminder of life’s fragility and the unpredictability of nature. His spirit, however, will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.