In a somber revelation from the shores of Montrose Beach, the Chicago Piping Plovers volunteer organization shared the news that one out of the four recently hatched piping plover chicks is missing and presumed dead. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the chick went missing under mysterious conditions, with volunteer coordinator Tamima Itani saying, "While not a pet, this piping plover chick was much loved and will be missed."

The hatchlings, born to parent birds Imani and Sea Rocket, were barely into their fledgling stage. Establishing a connection to the community, a naming contest to warmly welcome the chicks was already underway. The Chicago Bird Alliance was set to begin to officially recognize each chick with identities of their own. However, the remaining three will have to carry forward without their sibling. The other three chicks "are doing fine," Itani told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Imani and Sea Rocket, the parent plovers, have been a focal point of attention and conservation efforts at Montrose Beach, which became a protected area in 2019. “The 4th is no longer with us due to unknown circumstances,” as per Block Club Chicago, “While not a pet, this chick was much loved and will be missed.”