Rattling Radiator Actually Maintenance Worker Trapped in Wall

By Grace Quigley

Oct. 11, 2015

The search for Leo Fox ended late Thursday evening when the 43-year-old was found inside the wall of Maclean residence hall behind what was previously thought to be a rattling radiator. Fox was reported missing by his family when he failed to return from his job as a plumber at Boersma Plumbing & Heating in Hyde Park. The report was filed October 2, shortly after the central heating systems went on in several University of Chicago buildings. For those with radiators, this was accompanied by the familiar rattling noises associated with the old-fashioned systems.The missing man was found in the outer wall of the dorm room of Sophie Brooks, a first-year in the College.

“We thought it was just the heater,” said first-year Yvette Reyer, a friend of Brooks. “They warned us about the banging . . . when the heat goes on.”

Known as “a funny guy” among his friends, Fox was apparently discovered when he laughed at a joke told by Brooks.

“That was fuckin’ hilarious,” Fox said. “also I thought I was going to die.” Fortunately, he sustained no lasting injuries.

Brooks has since transferred schools and was unavailable for comment.