Kankakee, IL – A tragic incident unfolded in Kankakee today as a 6-year-old boy was pronounced dead after being pulled from the Kankakee River near Beckham Park.
According to a press release from the Kankakee Fire Department and Kankakee Police Department, authorities were notified of a possible drowning at approximately 3:08 p.m. Civilians present at the scene attempted to rescue the child, who had gone under the water and did not resurface.
Emergency responders, including the Kankakee Fire and Police departments, were supported by rescue boats from the Aroma, Limestone, and Bourbonnais Fire departments. Kankakee County Sheriff’s deputies and Illinois State Police also assisted in the search. The MABAS 15 Division water rescue team and a civilian boater familiar with the river were called in to aid the efforts.
At approximately 5:22 p.m., the boy’s body was recovered about 25 feet from the shore near the boat launch where he was last seen. The water depth in the area was approximately 10 feet. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Kankakee County Coroner’s office.
The Kankakee County Coroner’s office is investigating the details of the drowning. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by natural water bodies and the importance of vigilant supervision around them. Authorities urge the community to exercise caution and ensure the safety of children in such environments.
