After a lengthy investigation, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has been unable to determine the circumstances that led to the death of a 32-year-old man who was found dead in the stairwell of his Lakeview apartment building in October.
In newly released findings, the office said Nolan Hart died of multiple blunt force injuries, but investigators were unable to determine the manner of his death, which otherwise could have been classified as accidental, homicide, suicide or natural.
On Oct. 27, shortly before 9 a.m., police were called to Hart’s apartment building in the 500 block of West Addison Street to assist a maintenance worker who thought Hart was sleeping in a stairwell and wouldn’t wake up, according to the dispatch audio.
An officer noticed dried blood on his head and backpack and called an ambulance. CPD said Hart was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives have launched an investigation to determine if he fell or may have been injured by someone.
Hart’s family and friends have launched an extensive effort to raise awareness of the police investigation, distribute flyers and gain widespread media attention.
A flyer posted in the Lakeview neighborhood said the family suspected he was killed near the 500 block of West Addison on Oct. 26 between 10 and 11 p.m. The family asked neighbors to check video footage from before, during and after that period for evidence that could help police.
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Tim Hecke is the managing partner of CWBChicago. He started his career at KMOX, the legendary news radio station in St. Louis. From there he went on to work at stations in Minneapolis, Chicago and New York City. Tim went on to build syndicated radio news and content services serving each of America’s 100 largest radio markets. He became managing partner of CWBChicago in 2019. His email address is tim@cwbchicago.com
