One person is dead and another is in an area hospital after they were rescued from Lake Michigan on Saturday.
According to Chicago fire officials, the two men had jumped out of a boat to go for a swim approximately a half-mile from shore. The men left another person in the boat, but he was inexperienced and was unable to operate the vessel, authorities said.
The two men became separated from the boat when a storm front moved through the Chicago area, causing an increase in the size of the waves, according to fire officials.
"It started out nice, calm, and very hot," Chicago Fire Deputy District Chief in Charge of Marine Operations Jason Lach said. "Everybody knows that hte weather conditions can change in a heartbeat on the lake."
The man in the boat contacted authorities, who coordinated with Chicago Fire Department boat crews and the U.S. Coast Guard to locate the boat, and then the swimmers.
Authorities say that 31-year-old Jose Rubio was taken to an area hospital in critical condition, and was pronounced dead Saturday evening.
The other victim was also taken to an area hospital, where he is in stable condition.
Local
The Chicago Police Marine Unit escorted the man in the boat back to shore, whilc the Chicago Fire Department searched for the other two men, and found them floating unconscious in the water.
Rubio was brought to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A 28-year-old man was also brought to an area hospital, and he is in stable condition ato Illinois Masonic Hospital.
Police believe at this time that the man's death was an accidental drowning.
