Crime & Safety

News From Nearby: Man Found Dead on Naperville Street

James C. Hobbs, 74, of the 400 block of East Bailey Road in Naperville, was found on the sidewalk and pronounced dead Friday morning. Police say no foul play was involved.

A 74-year-old Naperville man was found dead Friday morning on the side of the road in the 400 block of East Bailey Road, said. 

James C. Hobbs, of the 400 block of East Bailey Road, was declared dead at 10:35 a.m. after police arrived to the scene.

“A passerby noticed a white male subject laying on the grass and police discovered the man was deceased upon arrival,” Naperville Police Sgt. Gregg Bell said.

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Bell said no foul play was involved, but the cause of death is unknown. Although temperatures reached 100 degrees Friday, it was not immediately known whether Hobbs died due to the extreme heat. Hobbs' family members have been notified.

According to witnesses in the area, Hobbs walked to the , 351 E. Bailey Road, near his home almost daily, as he did on Friday morning for coffee and other items.

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“He was just a nice guy, such a nice man,” said 7-Eleven franchise owner Syed Hashmi. “Just a perfect gentleman.”

Hashmi did not see Hobbs at the store Friday morning because he wasn't working at the time, but he said Hobbs was always friendly and a “regular” at the store.

He said Hobbs was a joy to have as a customer and will be missed.

“Everything must pass at one point,” Hashmi said. “And I guess this was his time. It's very sad.”


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