In the quiet, sprawling expanse of Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, a somber discovery has brought a community’s desperate search to a tragic close. On Thursday, August 14, 2025, Naperville authorities announced that a body found amidst the dense, swaying grasses of the preserve is believed to be that of Olasinmibo “Sinmi” Abosede, a 46-year-old mother of four who vanished on July 30. The news has cast a heavy pall over Naperville, a tight-knit Illinois community unaccustomed to such heartache, as residents and officials alike mourn the loss of a beloved wife, mother, and friend.

The discovery came just before 2 p.m. on Thursday, when Naperville police received a call reporting a body near a trailhead at the southwest corner of the preserve, close to the intersection of 83rd Street and Chandelle Drive. Officers, guided through a thicket of towering grass, found remains clothed in a long-sleeved black Adidas jacket, gray sweatpants, a black headscarf, and black Crocs—the exact outfit Sinmi was last seen wearing. In her final moments captured on camera, she carried only a white water bottle, leaving behind her phone, credit cards, and other personal items. While the DuPage County Coroner’s Office has yet to confirm the identity, authorities are confident the remains belong to Sinmi, pending final verification.

Sinmi’s disappearance had gripped Naperville since she was last seen on the morning of July 30, walking away from her home on the 2100 block of Sudbury Street, just 1.5 miles from the preserve. Described as a Black woman, 5-foot-6, with black hair and brown eyes, weighing 190 pounds, Sinmi’s absence sparked immediate concern. Her family noted she had a condition that could place her in danger, heightening the urgency of the search. Yet, from the outset, police maintained that foul play was not suspected, a stance they reiterated after Thursday’s discovery.

The search for Sinmi was a testament to the community’s resolve. On August 4, over 40 trained volunteers, eight K-9 units, and skilled police drone operators combed the nearly 2,000-acre Springbrook Prairie, a vast landscape of rugged terrain and dense vegetation. The effort, coordinated by the Naperville Police Department and the Naperville Emergency Management Agency, was exhaustive but yielded no trace of Sinmi at the time. Helicopters buzzed overhead, and neighbors, unaccustomed to such scenes in their peaceful suburb, watched with bated breath. One resident, speaking to ABC7 Chicago, captured the collective unease: “This is just not something that’s heard of here… It’s definitely a little alarming.”

As days turned to weeks, Sinmi’s family clung to hope. On August 8, her husband, Gbenga Abosede, stood before reporters, his voice heavy with emotion. “My wife is more than just my partner,” he said. “She is my best friend and college sweetheart.” He spoke of the family’s struggle to cope, their worry for Sinmi’s well-being, and their plea for any information that could bring her home. The community rallied, sharing Sinmi’s image and keeping vigilant, as Police Chief Jason Arres urged residents to “keep their eyes open” across the region.

Thursday’s discovery, however, transformed hope into grief. Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres, in a joint statement with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, expressed profound sorrow: “We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our sincere condolences to the Abosede family during this difficult time. Thank you to everyone in our community who assisted with this investigation and for your care and concern. We ask that everyone keep the family in your thoughts and respect their privacy.” Forest Preserve District Police Chief David Pederson echoed the sentiment, pledging a thorough and respectful investigation in collaboration with Naperville police and the coroner’s office.

The Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve, a place of natural beauty and tranquility, remains open to the public, with authorities assuring there is no ongoing threat to safety. The death investigation, led by the Forest Preserve District Police, continues, as officials piece together the circumstances surrounding Sinmi’s final days. Those with information are urged to contact [email protected], a small but vital way to honor a woman whose absence has left an indelible void.

In Naperville, a city known for its vibrant community and low crime, Sinmi’s story has touched hearts far beyond her family’s circle. Her memory lingers in the quiet rustle of the prairie grass, a poignant reminder of a life cherished and a community united in both hope and mourning.