Northwestern Crew Rower Dies After Falling Overboard

LINCOLNWOOD, IL — A student died after falling overboard while practicing with the Northwestern University club crew team Monday morning.

The body of Mohammed Ramzan, 19, a first-year student at Northwestern from Auburn, Washington, was recovered from the North Shore Channel Monday evening, the university said.

“We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to Mohammed’s family and friends for this tragic loss,” said Patricia Telles-Irvin, vice president for student affairs. “The loss affects us all, and we urge all members of our community to reach out and support one another.”

Around 7:30 a.m., a 9-1-1 call reported a rower had gone into the water around Pratt Avenue and McCormick Boulevard in Lincolnwood. Fire departments from Skokie and Lincolnwood led the initial search effort, state police said.

The boat involved contained nine students, including eight rowers and a coxswain. The team began its morning training at the Skokie Park District's Dammrich Rowing Center at 3220 Oakton St., according to the university.

After Ramzan fell in the water, a coach in a separate boat accompanying the rowers and another member of the team jumped into the water in an attempt to help, the university said. The coach and fellow team member were transported to the hospital as a precaution and soon released, according to Skokie Fire Chief James Walters.

Four boats—including two with sonar—and a multi-jurisdictional dive team of approximately 17 divers were called in for the search, police and fire officials said. Lightning briefly forced divers and boats to be taken out of the water around 2 p.m. About 45 minutes later, rescuers resumed the search and recovery operation in an area extending from Oakton to Devon, according to Walters.

Northwestern University released a statement to the media saying it has had a crew squad since the 1980's and has never before had any serious incidents and pointing out crew was not a varsity sport at Northwestern. The student-managed team has trained on the North Shore Canal since it relocated to its Skokie location in 2003, according to the club's website.

“We are grateful to Northwestern University Police, Illinois State Police and all the law enforcement agencies and fire departments involved in the search,” Telles-Irvin said Monday night.

“As we remember Mohammed, we must be intentional about taking care of each other,” she said. “This is a time for pulling together and supporting one another.”

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Top photo: Screen capture from YouTube