Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood says an unhoused veteran who died last month suffered from septic shock due to gangrene and poor wound healing.
Robert D. Moore, 75, was found dead behind the Campustown Subway on July 30. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1967-1969. Moore also worked as a carpenter in his native Bloomington for many years.
Moore was well-known around Campustown. He was frequently seen reading at the CVS or drinking coffee at Starbucks, according to his obituary.
Malnutrition was also a factor in his death.
Harwood says his office works with Peoria County Veteran's Assistance Commission to ensure a proper burial for unhoused veterans. He said the Department of Housing and Urban Development said there were more than 524 homeless veterans in Illinois in 2021, but the true number is likely higher.
Military honors were accorded to Moore earlier this month at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel. He was buried at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
