Caitlin Tracey Death, Obituary – The tragic death of Caitlin Tracey, found in a South Loop luxury building’s stairwell last month, has sparked a legal battle between her parents and her husband, Adam Beckerink, with allegations of a history of abuse and ongoing manipulation. Tracey’s parents filed a petition in Michigan probate court seeking to block Beckerink from retrieving their daughter’s remains, arguing that his abusive behavior towards
Tracey had created an environment where they could not trust him to make funeral arrangements. The petition, filed in Berrien County, Michigan, claims Beckerink’s alleged abusive actions, including physical and emotional abuse, put Tracey in an isolated and vulnerable position, with her family alleging that Beckerink intentionally cut off their contact with her.
Tracey’s tragic death on October 27 is under investigation by the Chicago Police Department, and the cause and manner of death are still undetermined. The discovery of her body, found at the bottom of a stairwell, followed a report from Beckerink, who claimed she had disappeared. A severed foot found near the scene prompted a police response, ultimately leading to the discovery of Tracey’s body. Her parents allege that Beckerink was the primary suspect in her death and that law enforcement took him into custody.
The legal proceedings in both Illinois and Michigan have further complicated the issue of who has the right to arrange for Tracey’s burial. Though Beckerink, as her surviving spouse, is generally entitled to control her remains, Michigan law allows for this right to be revoked if the spouse is deemed “unsuitable,” particularly in cases involving abuse or criminal activity. Beckerink’s criminal history, including two pending domestic violence cases and charges related to Tracey, complicates the legal landscape, with a probate judge set to consider whether the petition to prevent Beckerink from controlling her remains should be granted.
Tracey had previously filed for protective orders against Beckerink, citing a long pattern of physical and emotional abuse. These court filings detailed several incidents of violence, including alleged physical assaults, strangulation, and threats, some of which required medical treatment. Despite this, Tracey later vacated the protective orders, allegedly due to threats from Beckerink.
As the case continues to unfold, the legal battles over Tracey’s remains serve as a grim reminder of the toxic dynamics and alleged abuse that may have contributed to her untimely death, leaving her family to seek justice for her memory.
