7-Year-Old Chicago Boy Drowns Near Ogden Dunes: Indiana Officials

PORTAGE, IN — A 7-year-old Chicago boy drowned in Lake Michigan Thursday afternoon near the Ogden Dunes, Indiana officials said.

Around 4:50 p.m., a child was reported missing in Lake Michigan near the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk Beach. First responders from multiple agencies arrived and found the child in the water near Ogden Dunes at 5:11 p.m.

The child was removed from the water and taken to a waiting ambulance. Lifesaving measures were performed and the boy was transported to Northwest Health-Portage hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy was completed Friday, where the cause of death was ruled an accidental drowning.

Indiana Conservation officers said the boy was playing in waist-deep water before entering deeper water. A witness said it appeared the child was caught in a current that pulled him away from the shore. A family member entered the water to try to save the boy, but was also caught in a current and lost sight of the boy.

According to Indiana officials, a beach hazard statement from the National Weather Service was in effect at the time of the incident, with high wave action and dangerous currents.

Indiana Conservation Police continue to investigate. No additional information is available. The identities of those involved are being withheld to allow for proper family notifications.

Other assisting agencies include Indiana Dunes National Park Rangers, Portage Police Department, Ogden Dunes Police Department, Ogden Dunes Fire Department, Portage Fire Department and Porter Fire Department.