On July 4th, 2023 at 1:20 P.M. vessel one was traveling north bound on Lake Michigan near Centennial Park in Winnetka, Illinois. Vessel one was traveling at idle speeds about 100 feet offshore when the four children in tow tipped the Nautica Innertube. 

All four children in the water were wearing coast guard approved life jackets. Subject1 observed his 5 year old daughter having a difficult time reaching the innertube. Subject1 voluntarily departed the stopped vessel in an effort to help his daughter. 

Subject1 was not wearing a personal floatation device and began to struggle. Operator noticed the kids struggling as well. He pulled his engine cut off lanyard and entered the water, leaving one person in operation of the vessel. Operator assisted the remaining children in the water back onto the innertube. Operator turned his attention to Subject1 who was beginning to display signs of physical distress and panic. Subject2, still in operation of the vessel, hailed a passing vessel to help assist Subject1 in the water. With the efforts of individuals on the passing vessel, and operator, the group was successful in assisting Subject1 back into the vessel he departed from. 

Aboard the assisting vessel was a doctor, who immediately began attempting C.P.R. on Subject1 who had taken in too much water. At this time, Officer of Winnetka Police had swam 100 feet out to the vessel and boarded. He and Dr. performed C.P.R. until the vessel was beached on centennial park beach and Winnetka Fire took over. Subject1 was transported to Evanston Hospital where at 1400 hours he was pronounced dead. Nurse notified medical examiner of the pronunciation. ME case number is #23-04043.

No other injuries were reported. The vessel was docked back at Wilmette Harbor.

Lake Michigan
Winnetka                      