palos hills police logo

Man hangs self from Palos Hills ComEd tower

Spread the love

By Steve Metsch

Palos Hills police confirmed Friday that a 40-year-old man commited suicide by hanging himself from a ComEd tower.

The body of Caleb Palmbos, of Wheaton, was found around 7 a.m. Thursday, said a Palos Hills deputy chief who requested anonymity.

“Suicide. It was confirmed by the medical examiner’s office this morning. By hanging,” the deputy chief said.

It happened west of the Bridgeview Courthouse in an area with many ComEd towers, north of 103rd Street and east of 78th Avenue.

“He went up about 30, 40 feet and hung himself from there,” the deputy chief said.

No note was left.

“It was called into us,” the deputy chief said, adding that suicides often happen during the holidays.

He noted that Thursday “was a school morning. School buses are going by. It’s a terrible thing.”

“Nobody at Sorrick (School) saw it. Older Stagg (High School) kids saw it. We contacted the school and they received counseling if they wanted,” he said.

“It’s not something common you see here. Thirty to 40 feet up,” he added.

5 Comments

  1. Ann on December 16, 2023 at 8:30 pm

    Extremely SAD? I hope he found peace now. Just so sad he didn’t ask for help and no one saw what pain he was going thru before giving up.



    • A Close Friend on December 18, 2023 at 12:06 am

      Ann, as a friend of Caleb’s, I can say that he had loved ones, including myself, who most definitely saw and shared his pain and were supporting him. But he’d had repeated heavy disappointments where it appeared that the court and/or lawyers failed him regarding a family matter that mattered deeply to him, and he felt he was playing a losing game in a system stacked against him. Every time he thought he was making progress, he essentially got shot down. The fact that this happened right near the court building was far from coincidental. Add in a lot of other major stressors going on in his life, and I think what he was going through just exceeded the help that anyone could give him. That doesn’t make this any less tragic, and heaven knows I’m beyond heartbroken not to have him in my life anymore, but Caleb had help, support, and love.



      • Caleb’s cousin on December 23, 2023 at 5:29 pm

        Thank you “Close Friend” for confirming that Caleb was loved and supported. I am Caleb’s cousin and really appreciate your note. The system clearly failed him. Please keep my family in your prayers ?❤️



  2. Megan on December 17, 2023 at 10:39 pm

    Shame on you Mr. Metsch.

    You may have reported the facts. But did you know and report all of the facts? Did you know if Caleb had young children that the family wanted to protect the memories of their father. Did you know and report all of the struggles Caleb was going through?

    Yes this was done in public. Did you research or even consider to think about why he chose this location so close to the court house and in public? Maybe he was trying to make a statement? Maybe he thought the system is flawed? Maybe this was the only way he knew to make a statement. Yes it’s very unfortunate that children had to see this and I’m deeply saddened about that. That’s very difficult for them and I’m sure they will need some counseling.

    But what about the family that just lost a loved one? The last thing they want to do is read an article about someone they just lost. An article that paints a horrible picture for the loved ones to see in their heads over and over for the rest of their lives.

    Next time you choose to post an article please think about all involved not just the public bystanders. Think about the man that just lost his battle and all of those friends and family that loved him. Do more research to try and find out why a man would do something so traumatic.



    • Nina Davis on December 23, 2023 at 2:08 pm

      Thank you for having courage to speak up Noone knows a person’s true struggle but GOD people can be so inhumane yet when act so nonchalant my prayers go out to his family and all whom truly loved this man no matter circumstance he’s still deserves respect Depression is real



Local News

Alexis Bocanegra

Police Council rallies to save ShotSpotter

Spread the love

Spread the love. By Alexis Bocanegra Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (773) 949-1509 • grcl.alex23@gmail.com . Chicago Lawn (8th) District Police Council members Mark Hamberlin, Al Cacciottolo and Jason Huff have created an online petition to save ShotSpotter. As you may have read in the Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound back in March, Mayor…

Ambrose Jackson, chairman and CEO of the 1937 Group dispensary company, speaks to Evergreen Park residents during a packed hearing Monday night. He is joined by attorney Sonia Antolec and Jim Reilly, chief development officer for the company. (Photo by Joe Boyle)

Capacity crowd speaks out against Evergreen Park dispensary

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Additional chairs had to be brought out to seat an overflow crowd of Evergreen Park residents who attended a meeting April 15 regarding a proposed cannabis dispensary for the village. And many who were in attendance voiced their opposition to having a dispensary in Evergreen Park. Most of the people cited…

The “no dogs allowed” signs will soon be removed from two parks in Countryside. Dogs must be on leashes and owners must clean up after their pets. (Photo by Steve Metsch)

Countryside puts dog park on hold, will require leashes in two parks

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The city of Countryside has put on hold building a dog park, but canines and their owners are still in store for a treat. The city council has unanimously approved a plan to permit dogs in City Park and Countryside Park this year. Previously, they were not allowed in the…

bridgeview logo

Bridgeview approves auto repair shop

Spread the love

Spread the loveMoves up time for May 1 village board meeting By Steve Metsch Bridgeview is getting a new automotive repair shop. The village board at its April 17 matinee meeting approved a special use permit that will allow a repair shop at 9010 S. Beloit Ave. There was no discussion among trustees. The board…

Summit Fire Chief Anthony Anderson was the first to donate blood at the fire department's blood drive. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Summit Fire Department blood drive draws a crowd

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan The Summit Fire Department, along with the Village of Summit, and the Argo Summit Lions Club held a blood drive this past Saturday, and it drew a crowd that even impressed the American Red Cross. It took place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. with non-stop donors walking through the…

Village, park, library, and school leaders speak at the business breakfast. (Photo by Carol McGowan)

Hodgkins toasts village businesses

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Hodgkins Mayor Ernest Millsap and the Board of Trustees celebrated the village’s businesses at its annual Business Appreciation Breakfast on April 10. Over 100 people gathered at the Hodgkins Administration Center for a hearty breakfast hosted by the village. Representatives from many businesses that are located in or that work…

The Palos Park Village Green tennis courts will go through a face-lift in the coming weeks. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)

Pickleball courts coming to Palos Park

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva There will finally be outdoor pickleball in Palos Park. In a process that went longer than anticipated, the Palos Park Village Council was able give the green light to get a pickleball project started on the Village Green. The council voted April 8 to award the contract to U.S. Tennis…

2023-age-one-ounce-obv__68220

First Secure Bank to host American Eagle gold coin sale

Spread the love

Spread the loveFrom staff reports First Secure Bank & Trust of Palos Hills announced its annual May sale of 1-ounce and ¼-ounce American Eagle Gold Coins, produced by the U.S. Mint, will take place from 10 a.m.to noon on Saturdays, May 4, May 11, May 18 and May 25. The sale will take place at…

Peggy Zabicki

Donate teddy bears to our local police

Spread the love

Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327 . Have you ever seen the 1955 movie The Night of the Hunter?  The children in this movie show such bravery and acceptance in what life has thrown at them.  They have to deal with unimaginable events and sadness. …

Mary Stanek

Boy Scouts collecting tattered flags for disposal

Spread the love

Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 517-7796 . Goodbye April, hello May. Our American Flag, the symbol of our country, should always be treated with respect. But after bearing Chicago’s brutal winters and hot blazing summers along with being in the…

Neighbors

Alexis Bocanegra

Police Council rallies to save ShotSpotter

Spread the love

Spread the love. By Alexis Bocanegra Your correspondent in Clearing and Garfield Ridge (773) 949-1509 • grcl.alex23@gmail.com . Chicago Lawn (8th) District Police Council members Mark Hamberlin, Al Cacciottolo and Jason Huff have created an online petition to save ShotSpotter. As you may have read in the Clear-Ridge Reporter & NewsHound back in March, Mayor…

Ambrose Jackson, chairman and CEO of the 1937 Group dispensary company, speaks to Evergreen Park residents during a packed hearing Monday night. He is joined by attorney Sonia Antolec and Jim Reilly, chief development officer for the company. (Photo by Joe Boyle)

Capacity crowd speaks out against Evergreen Park dispensary

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Joe Boyle Additional chairs had to be brought out to seat an overflow crowd of Evergreen Park residents who attended a meeting April 15 regarding a proposed cannabis dispensary for the village. And many who were in attendance voiced their opposition to having a dispensary in Evergreen Park. Most of the people cited…

The “no dogs allowed” signs will soon be removed from two parks in Countryside. Dogs must be on leashes and owners must clean up after their pets. (Photo by Steve Metsch)

Countryside puts dog park on hold, will require leashes in two parks

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The city of Countryside has put on hold building a dog park, but canines and their owners are still in store for a treat. The city council has unanimously approved a plan to permit dogs in City Park and Countryside Park this year. Previously, they were not allowed in the…

bridgeview logo

Bridgeview approves auto repair shop

Spread the love

Spread the loveMoves up time for May 1 village board meeting By Steve Metsch Bridgeview is getting a new automotive repair shop. The village board at its April 17 matinee meeting approved a special use permit that will allow a repair shop at 9010 S. Beloit Ave. There was no discussion among trustees. The board…

Summit Fire Chief Anthony Anderson was the first to donate blood at the fire department's blood drive. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Summit Fire Department blood drive draws a crowd

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan The Summit Fire Department, along with the Village of Summit, and the Argo Summit Lions Club held a blood drive this past Saturday, and it drew a crowd that even impressed the American Red Cross. It took place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. with non-stop donors walking through the…

Village, park, library, and school leaders speak at the business breakfast. (Photo by Carol McGowan)

Hodgkins toasts village businesses

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Hodgkins Mayor Ernest Millsap and the Board of Trustees celebrated the village’s businesses at its annual Business Appreciation Breakfast on April 10. Over 100 people gathered at the Hodgkins Administration Center for a hearty breakfast hosted by the village. Representatives from many businesses that are located in or that work…

The Palos Park Village Green tennis courts will go through a face-lift in the coming weeks. (Photo by Jeff Vorva)

Pickleball courts coming to Palos Park

Spread the love

Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva There will finally be outdoor pickleball in Palos Park. In a process that went longer than anticipated, the Palos Park Village Council was able give the green light to get a pickleball project started on the Village Green. The council voted April 8 to award the contract to U.S. Tennis…

2023-age-one-ounce-obv__68220

First Secure Bank to host American Eagle gold coin sale

Spread the love

Spread the loveFrom staff reports First Secure Bank & Trust of Palos Hills announced its annual May sale of 1-ounce and ¼-ounce American Eagle Gold Coins, produced by the U.S. Mint, will take place from 10 a.m.to noon on Saturdays, May 4, May 11, May 18 and May 25. The sale will take place at…

Peggy Zabicki

Donate teddy bears to our local police

Spread the love

Spread the love. Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place •  (773) 504-9327 . Have you ever seen the 1955 movie The Night of the Hunter?  The children in this movie show such bravery and acceptance in what life has thrown at them.  They have to deal with unimaginable events and sadness. …

Mary Stanek

Boy Scouts collecting tattered flags for disposal

Spread the love

Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place •  (773) 517-7796 . Goodbye April, hello May. Our American Flag, the symbol of our country, should always be treated with respect. But after bearing Chicago’s brutal winters and hot blazing summers along with being in the…