Search Concludes For Woman Swept Into DuPage River In Winfield

WINFIELD, IL — Rescue crews have concluded their search for an 18-year-old West Chicago woman who was swept into the DuPage River Friday evening in Winfield. Forest preserve officials said in a press release that recovery efforts will be scheduled "once water levels subside and the weather is more conducive."

DuPage Forest Preserve District Police Chief David Pederson said in a statement, "Our hearts go out to the family at this tragic time. We are very appreciative of all the help we have received from the numerous agencies and volunteers who assisted in this exhaustive search.”

Over 100 search and rescue crew members and volunteers helped search the DuPage River from Winfield to Warrenville Saturday. Search crews also enlisted the help of sonar-equipped boats and infrared-equipped underwater drones.

Officials say the woman was walking two dogs when she crossed a flooded pedestrian bridge at Winfield Mounds Forest Preserve around 6 p.m. Friday and was swept into the river, along with her two dogs.

One of the dogs was rescued at the scene, officials said. The search for the woman and her other dog was called off at 11 p.m. Friday and resumed early Saturday.

A bike rider told rescue crews that he saw the woman get swept up in the current while walking through waist-deep water along the bridge. He added that he tried to help the woman, but lost sight of her.

Search crews from more than a dozen surrounding communities came forth to help with the efforts to find the woman, according to DuPage County Forest Preserve. "[B]oats, divers, drones, thermal imaging and helicopters" were all deployed in the search, officials said.