Death of Local Man Appears to Be Self-Inflicted

The death of a local man at his home appears to have been self-inflicted.

Effingham police responded to a welfare check at 1013 Koester Drive at approximately 4pm Tuesday. Upon arrival, police found the homeowner, 78-year-old Wayne R. Rabe, dead in the garage of the home.

Effingham Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit, the Effingham County Coroner's Office, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit, and the Effingham Fire Department Haz Mat Unit were all notified to assist in the investigation. Rabe's body was taken to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital where an autopsy was conducted Wednesday. Effingham County Coroner Kim Rhodes said preliminary results indicate Rabe died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

The incident remains under investigation by the Effingham Police Department and the Effingham County Coroner's Office.