A Wednesday evening at Lake Opeka ended in tragedy when a 61-year-old man from Rosemont was found floating in the water, prompting a death investigation by Des Plaines police. Bystanders and first responders tried to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say the investigation is in its early stages and are keeping details close for now.
According to CBS Chicago, officers were called to Lake Park just before 8:15 p.m. after witnesses reported a man floating in the lake. When police arrived, bystanders were already trying to help, including one person who entered the water to bring the man to shore. First responders then attempted resuscitation, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
About Lake Opeka
Lake Opeka sits inside Lake Park, a 76-acre Des Plaines park that features a marina, an 18-hole par-3 golf course and walking trails. The Des Plaines Park District lists boating and paddle-boat rentals at the lake and notes the marina is located near Howard Avenue.
Victim Identified
The man has been identified as 61-year-old Jorge Ramirez-Contreras of Rosemont, according to CBS Chicago. Police told the outlet that the investigation remains in its early stages and that they do not suspect foul play at this time.
Recent Water Recoveries In Des Plaines
This case comes on the heels of a May 5 incident in which a decomposing body was recovered from a retention pond northwest of the Illinois State Police Troop 3 headquarters in unincorporated Des Plaines. That earlier discovery was reported by Patch, which cited CBS and the Cook County Sheriff's Office. Authorities said that the investigation is still ongoing.
Des Plaines police have not released additional information about the cause of death or the current direction of the probe. This story will be updated as more details are made public.
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