Billy Briscoe Obituary-Death News; Billy Briscoe Passed Away – Billy Briscoe Dies After Drowning In Moultrie County
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at approximately 11:18 a.m., CECOM dispatched the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office to the Coal Shaft Bridge area of Lake Shelbyville following a report of an unoccupied boat. The sighting raised immediate concern, prompting a swift response from local authorities to assess the situation and search for the possible occupant.
Upon arrival and further assessment, it became evident that the incident involved a missing person. Moultrie County officials quickly expanded the operation and requested the assistance of multiple agencies to aid in the search effort. These included the Moultrie County Dive Team, the Shelby County Dive Team, the Sullivan Fire Department, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Illinois Department of Conservation Police. Together, they launched a coordinated, large-scale operation to locate the individual believed to be associated with the abandoned watercraft.
The missing boater was later identified as Billy J. Briscoe, a resident of Hidalgo, Illinois. Friends and family were notified as the hours-long search extended into the evening, with teams combing both the surface and depths of the lake in hopes of a safe recovery. The search was made especially difficult by the nature of the lakebed and the expansive area around the Coal Shaft Bridge, which required highly trained divers and specialized equipment.
Tragically, at approximately 9:16 p.m., divers located and recovered Mr. Briscoe from the water. Just minutes later, at 9:21 p.m., he was officially pronounced deceased at the scene by Moultrie County Coroner Lynn Reed. His death has left the Hidalgo community and those familiar with Lake Shelbyville grieving the unexpected loss.
The circumstances surrounding the drowning are currently under investigation by the Illinois Department of Conservation Police, the Moultrie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Moultrie County Coroner. As of now, no further details have been released regarding the events that led to Mr. Briscoe entering the water or how the boat came to be found without an occupant.
Authorities are working diligently to piece together the timeline and conditions of the incident and have expressed appreciation for the rapid collaboration and assistance from all responding agencies. The investigation remains active, and more information may become available as the agencies involved conclude their inquiries.
Lake Shelbyville, a popular destination for boating and recreation in central Illinois, has seen past incidents of water-related emergencies, underscoring the importance of ongoing water safety awareness. This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of open water and the importance of vigilance and preparation while boating.
The thoughts of the entire Moultrie County community are with the family and loved ones of Billy J. Briscoe during this difficult time. Authorities have not released funeral arrangements at this time.
