Sunday Morning Firefighter Death
An off-duty Chicago firefighter drowned in Lake Michigan, 31st Street Beach, Sunday morning. The firefighter went swimming with his family after finishing his work shift.
The emergency personnel’s own paramedics and medical teams were called to help, however, the firefighter was found unconscious and underwater, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
The off-duty firefighter was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he later died.
The Chicago Firefighter has been identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as 43-year-old Wilbert Hayes. He has been part of the department since 2009 as an engineer and EMT.
Confirmed by the Chicago Fire Department
The Chicago Fire Department confirmed the loss of one of their first responders. The CFD commissioner, Annette Nance-Holt, released a statement confirming the loss and a full investigation will be conducted towards Hayes’ death.
Body Found
Hayes allegedly went underwater around 7:30 a.m. according to the CFD.
Witness Susanna Mantia said she heard the screaming of the family, ran over, and tried to save and search for the firefighter. However, she stated the sand was noticeably not very deep, so it’s unknown how he drowned.
Before the Incident
Before the incident took place, Susanna Mantia said she talked to Hayes. She said he loved fishing and was working towards becoming a better swimmer.
Hayes’ Wife
The wife of Wilbert Hayes is asking for privacy during the loss of her husband. A Facebook post made regarding the loss on the wife’s page described her husband as an exceptional husband, father, big brother, and friend.
She also said he was full of life and passionate about his family and changing the community.
Going Forward
It’s still unknown how Hayes drowned, and it has been said the currents that morning were allegedly powerful. The CFD is investigating, however going forward, red flags have been flying around the beach since Sunday morning, signaling that swimming will be banned for the time being.
Written By Iyanna R Stanton
Sources:
CBS News Chicago: Off-duty CFD member dies after being pulled from water at 31st Street Beach
NBC Chicago: Off-duty Chicago firefighter who died in drowning identified
WGN 9 Chicago: Off-duty Chicago firefighter who died while swimming with his family in Lake Michigan ID’
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Ann Fisher Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Cranberries Flickr page – Creative Commons License
