A large emergency response on Myers Bay ended in tragedy Monday night in Fox Lake, when crews recovered the body of a missing swimmer. Officials have not released the person's name or any other identifying details. The search drew in boats, divers and aerial resources as neighbors watched from the shoreline.
Recovery confirmed by county
The Lake County Sheriff's Office said its marine unit was assisting fire personnel during the search and that the body was recovered shortly after 9 p.m. Authorities did not immediately release the victim's age or any additional information, according to CBS Chicago.
Boating outing turned tragic
According to the Fox Lake Fire Protection District, a group of friends went out boating in Myers Bay on Pistakee Lake and decided to go swimming. At some point, one person went under the water and did not resurface.
A large rescue operation, including dive teams and multiple boats, searched the bay for roughly two hours before the swimmer was found and pronounced dead at the scene, as reported by NBC Chicago. Authorities say the investigation remains active.
Local reporting and investigation
Local outlet Lake and McHenry County Scanner reported that the missing swimmer may have been a teenager who jumped from a boat without a life vest, though county officials have not confirmed the age. The Scanner also reported that MABAS was activated to bring dive teams and specialized equipment from fire departments across Lake and McHenry counties, and that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is leading the probe, according to Lake and McHenry County Scanner.
Why life jackets matter
Drownings account for the majority of boating deaths nationwide, and the U.S. Coast Guard's 2024 report found that when cause of death was known, 87% of drowning victims were not wearing life jackets. Authorities consistently urge boaters to wear Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices and to check water and weather conditions before getting in the water, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
County officials say the investigation is ongoing and have asked anyone with information to contact the sheriff's office. We will update this post as authorities release more details.
