Crime & Safety
Jet Skier Without Life Jacket Dies Falling Into Lake Michigan
The man, 52, had been under the water for more than 15 minutes Saturday night, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
CHICAGO, IL — A 52-year-old man died after falling off a jet ski in Lake Michigan over the weekend, according to the Chicago Fire Department. The victim — identified as James Earl Jefferson by ABC 7 Chicago — had been partying on the water craft Saturday night and wasn't wearing a life jacket at the time, the department said in a series of online updates.
The accident happened before 9 p.m. Saturday, July 28, near the 59th Street Harbor in Hyde Park, the fire department said. Jefferson had been under the water for more than 15 minutes by the time rescuers were able to pull him from the water.
Once on land, crews performed CPR on Jefferson, and he was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition, according to authorities. He later was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Find out what's happening in Hyde Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Update on person in the water 59th St. Harbor, CFD has found the victim, they have extracted the victim from the water and are transferring care to EMS for treatment and transport to University of Chicago
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) July 29, 2018
Update on person in the water 59th St. Harbor, approx 50 year old male Critical condition with CPR in progress to U of C.
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) July 29, 2018
Alert. Please wear life jackets when using a jet ski. The victim just pulled from the harbor fell from a jet ski while partying. He had no flotation gear. Was under over 15 min
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) July 29, 2018
The fire department urged jet skiiers to wear life jackets when out on the water.
Find out what's happening in Hyde Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Photo via Shutterstock
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.