Cook County Sheriff’s Department Intensifies Des Plaines River Search for Teen with Sonar, Helicopters

OAK PARK, IL — The Cook County Sheriff’s Department, joined by community volunteers, took to the Des Plaines River early this morning in the hopes of finding 16-year-old Cameron Sanders. Sanders has been missing since Saturday after he jumped into the Des Plaines River with his friends and did not emerge from the water. The Sheriff’s Office took over the search after initial efforts were halted Sunday and community members initiated their own search Monday afternoon.

Cameron Sanders jumped into the Des Plaines River from Rainbow Bridge in Melrose Park Saturday afternoon after his friends encouraged him, family members said. Sanders, who was unable to swim, was seen struggling to stay afloat and gasping for air by eyewitnesses. Crews searched for Sanders Saturday evening and Sunday, but when the search was ended prematurely, the family was outraged.

Anthony Clark, who runs Suburban Unity Alliance, organized a community recovery effort scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Monday. At 4 p.m. Monday, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced that his team would head up the search, redoubling efforts with sonar boat technology and helicopters, according to a statement. Dart is demanding that Canadian National Railway, which owns Rainbow Bridge, add safety fencing and warning signs on the bridge to prevent a similar tragedy.

“I just want everybody to know that we’re not giving up,” Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart told ABC 7 in words those that echoed what Jerika Sanders, the missing teen’s sister, shared with Patch on Monday. She urged, “Just keep looking. Keep looking for my brother.”

If you'd like to join in the search for Cameron Sanders, contact 847-635-1188.

>>Image courtesy of Anthony Clark of Suburban Unity Alliance