Story posted Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Dangers near Dam No. 2, where a Prospect Hts. man was drowned Saturday, are clearly marked in the Cook County Forest Preserve near Milwaukee & Hintz. The dam wasn't visible Sunday morning, however, as it had seemingly vanished due to rising floodwaters of the Des Plaines River.
Search Off For PH Man
Police Still Hope To Find Body Of Resident Who Fell In DP River Saturday
Although the search for a Prospect Hts. man who fell into the Des Plaines River has ended, Cook County Forest Preserve Police plan to continue extra patrols in hopes of finding his body.
"It's more a recovery effort now," explained spokesperson Steve Mayberry.
Gavino Alvarez-Diego, age 34 or 35, fell into the river near Hintz Road and Milwaukee Avenue at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20. Witnesses told police he went into the water north of Dam Number 1 and then popped up again south of the dam. They said he tried to swim across the river, but was pulled in when he approached the dam.
Cook County Forest Preserve police officers and Wheeling Fire Dept. personnel arrived on the scene to search. The fire department brought its boats to aid in the operation. In addition, a Homeland Security helicopter partly owned by Cook County assisted. The search on Saturday ended due to darkness at about 8:30 p.m. then resumed at 5:30 a.m. Sunday. Officials called off the search at 9 a.m. due to dangers facing rescuers caused by the river's current and debris in the water.
"Flooding played a role in increased water and up speed in current, which made it difficult for Alvarez," Mayberry said. The same issues brought the search to an early conclusion.
Cook County officers regularly patrol along the river, and are being asked to get out of their vehicles and walk along the banks to watch for Alvarez. Officers will regularly check several other dams along the river between Wheeling and Park Ridge.
"We'll pay attention more closely today and throughout the week until the body is found or the case is closed," Mayberry said.
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