Body found in Wapsipinicon River near Quasqueton identified as Illinois man

QUASQUETON - An Illinois man was found in the Wapsipinicon River Sunday after the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office received a report that a body had been seen floating in the water.

Michael Wallace, 58, of Hazelcrest, Ill., was found near Quasqueton after his vehicle went off Highway 20 at the Wapsipinicon River bridge, east of Independence, on Friday and entered the river, according to an Iowa State Patrol crash report. Police say Wallace's body floated downriver because of fast-moving floodwaters in the area.

Wallace was recovered via boat by the Quasqueton Fire Department.

Trooper Alex Dinkla confirmed that the incident Friday was related to the body recovered in the river Sunday and that Wallace is the person who died.

According to police, Wallace was driving westbound on Highway 20 when his vehicle left the roadway, entered the median and collided with the guardrail. The vehicle vaulted off the bridge embankment and entered the river.

Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Wolfgram said officials received a call about a body around 8:15 a.m. Sunday.

Wallace was taken to Buchanan County Health Center and later to the State Coroner's Office in Ankeny for an autopsy and identification.

The incident remains under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol.

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