Death, fire investigations underway in rural Mendota; no foul play suspected

Authorities aren’t yet sure whether there’s a connection between the discovery of a body in a Mendota home Wednesday and the Thursday morning fire in the same residence. Both matters still are under investigation.

La Salle County Coroner Rich Ploch said Thursday that a well-being check was conducted at 6:50 p.m. Wednesday at 73 N. 43rd Road, Mendota. Ploch said a woman was pronounced dead at the scene – the victim is believed to have died days earlier – although her name is being withheld for the time being.

I believe very strongly it’s going to be medical, but with the strange circumstance with the fire the next morning, we have to be sure.

—  Rich Ploch, La Salle County coroner

Ploch said no foul play is suspected in the woman’s death, but he can’t make a determination until after an autopsy, which was scheduled Friday.

“I believe very strongly it’s going to be medical,” Ploch said, “but with the strange circumstance with the fire the next morning, we have to be sure.”

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Firefighters respond to a structure fire on North 43rd Road about a half mile west of the East First Road intersection on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in Mendota. (Scott Anderson)

The next-day fire also is under investigation, and Mendota Fire Chief Dennis Rutishauser said he does not yet have sufficient information to determine a preliminary cause or whether the fire was accidental.

Firefighters from multiple agencies (a complete list is pending) were at the scene for almost seven hours after Mendota firefighters were summoned at 8:30 a.m. Rutishauser said the structure was fully engulfed, with fire spewing out the first- and second-floor windows.

The house is a total loss, and investigators with the Illinois State Fire Marshal Office were at the scene investigating, Rutishauser reported after he and his crew cleared the scene about 3:20 p.m.

Ploch disclosed that there was a “hoarding situation” at the rural Mendota residence, which also was in disrepair.

Shaw Local News Network will update this story as more information becomes available.