Missing Kayaker's Family Asks Public To Assist With Search

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — North Shore towns along the lakefront remain on alert for any signs of a man who went missing Monday night while kayaking. Highland Park police and fire department officials are coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions and other agencies in efforts to locate the man, the city said in a release. Public safety personnel, including community emergency response team volunteers, plan to continue the search during Labor Day weekend.

Sebastian Duncan, 20, of Glenview, was reported missing around 10:30 p.m. by a friend who had swam to shore in Lake Forest after their kayaks flooded and capsized in rough waters. Duncan and his companion, a 20-year-old Glencoe man, launched two kayaks around 5 p.m. from Park Avenue Beach in Highland Park, authorities believe.

Highland Park emergency personnel responded around 10:40 p.m. and a Coast Guard helicopter was launched from Michigan around 11 p.m. Rescuers searched about 130 square miles along Lake Michigan, and public safety personnel and volunteers have been combing the coastline for any sign of Duncan.

Duncan grew up in Wilmette and graduated New Trier High School in 2016 before attending Northeastern Illinois University. His family issued a statement thanking people who have taken part in the search.

"We are beyond devastated but still hopeful he will be found," it said, asking everyone who may be on the lake during the holiday weekend to continue assisting with search efforts.

"All of those who know our son Sebastian know what a brave and extraordinary young man he is. We have met with the close friend who was kayaking with our son Monday night and we have spoken to his parents as well," the family's statement said.

"We are grateful they reached out to us and for their son who shared with us what happened Monday night. In his own words, 'without Sebastian’s actions that night, I wouldn’t be alive today.'"

Highland Park asked anyone who sees anything that may be related, in the lake or on the shore, to call the its police department at 847-432-7730.

EARLIER: Search For Missing Kayaker Continues Along North Shore