Woman Killed By Rip Tide Was On Dream Trip To Atlantic Ocean

ROUND LAKE PARK, IL — A 35-year-old Round Lake Park woman likely drowned after being pulled from shore by a rip current while visiting the Atlantic Ocean for the first time last week, according to authorities. Maria Perez had long dreamed of splashing in the ocean and got that wish last Thursday when she went with friends and relatives to Miami Beach, the Daily Herald reports. She went into the water with Juan Rodriguez of Round Lake, a 37-year-old from Round Lake who'd joined Perez's family on the trip; and her husband, 39-year-old Eleazar Rangel; their 11-year-old daughter; Rodriguez's 11-year-old daughter; and an 11-year-old boy.

Rodriguez told the Daily Herald they were playing in knee-high water when a rip current pulled them awayfrom shore

"We were near the shore, just being with the kids," Rodriguez told Daily Herald. "We were being really careful." All were rescued from the water and taken to an area hospital where Perez died. The five survivors have since been released from the hospital.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up and has raised over $2,600 as of Monday.

• Round Lake Woman Dies, 5 Hospitalized In Florida Beach Rescue
  

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PHOTO VIA GOFUNDME