Owen Hughes Obituary & Death Investigation – Chicago, IL | High Street Logistics Asset Manager Found Dead Following Apparent Fall
Chicago, IL — April 14, 2025 – The professional and local community is mourning the tragic and unexpected passing of Owen Hughes, a 30-year-old asset manager with High Street Logistics Properties, whose body was found in the early hours of Saturday morning, April 12, 2025, in the 800 block of North State Street in Chicago’s Near North Side. Authorities confirmed that Hughes was discovered with visible trauma, having apparently fallen from a residential balcony. He was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy the same day, but results were reported as inconclusive, leaving many questions unanswered. The Chicago Police Department’s Belmont Area detectives have initiated an official death investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Hughes’ fall. While unverified reports suggest the possibility of suicide, law enforcement has not issued a formal cause or manner of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Hughes was widely recognized in the commercial real estate industry for his impressive career trajectory and professional integrity. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, he graduated from St. Xavier High School in 2013 before attending Indiana University Bloomington, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 2017.
Owen’s early career included internships at Cushman & Wakefield and Colliers International, where he developed a foundational understanding of corporate services and industrial brokerage. In September 2017, he joined High Street Logistics Properties, a nationally respected real estate investment firm specializing in industrial properties. He quickly advanced to the position of Asset Manager for the Midwest Region, overseeing key logistics portfolios across the Greater Chicago Area and contributing significantly to the firm’s strategic growth.
In a formal statement, High Street Logistics Properties expressed its profound grief:
“Owen was more than a colleague — he was a leader, a mentor, and a friend. His intelligence, dedication, and kind spirit were admired by all who worked with him. His loss is deeply felt across our organization, and our hearts go out to his family during this incredibly painful time.”
Friends, coworkers, and former classmates have taken to social media to honor Owen’s memory, describing him as compassionate, brilliant, and deeply loyal. Many remember his unique ability to balance a sharp analytical mind with a warm, approachable personality — traits that made him not only a standout professional but a cherished friend and son.
This tragic event also underscores the growing need for mental health support within high-stress professions like commercial real estate and finance. Industry experts and advocacy groups are urging professionals to prioritize mental wellness and to encourage open conversations around stress, burnout, and mental health challenges.
Members of the public with any information relevant to Owen Hughes’ final hours are urged to contact the Chicago Police Department. Investigators continue to gather evidence, including possible security footage and witness accounts, to establish a clear timeline of events.
A memorial service and celebration of Owen’s life will be announced in the coming days by his family. In lieu of flowers, the family has encouraged donations to mental health awareness organizations, in honor of Owen’s life and legacy.
For verified updates, please refer to official statements from the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
