The coroner has identified a 62-year-old man who died after he collapsed while water skiing on Lake Marie near Antioch and was pulled from the water last week.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Antioch Fire Department responded around 6:50 a.m. Friday to the 40800 block of North Douglas Avenue in unincorporated Antioch.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said deputies received a call about an unresponsive man brought to a restaurant.
Sheriff’s deputies arrived and CPR was being performed on the man.
Lake County Chief Deputy Coroner Steve Newton identified the man as Michael Ruggles, 62, of Antioch.
A preliminary investigation shows Ruggles was water skiing on Lake Marie for approximately 20 minutes, Covelli said.
The operator of the boat that was pulling Ruggles saw him let go of the rope and become unresponsive in the water.
The boat operator was quickly aided by Good Samaritans from another boat, Covelli said.
The group was able to pull Ruggles from the water.
They transported the man to shore where first responders met them.
Covelli said paramedics transported Ruggles to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville where he was pronounced dead.
Newton said it appears Ruggles suffered a natural event that led to him collapsing into the water.
Sheriff’s detectives are investigating but foul play does not appear to be a factor, Covelli said.
An obituary for Ruggles said he “lived his life to the fullest” and “always at full throttle.”
“Michael loved the outdoors, whether it was flying, waterskiing, snowmobiling, or being in the mountains or on the lake with his family. Michael was the proud owner of many businesses, enjoyed learning new skills, and believed, the bigger the challenge, the better,” his obituary said.
“He loved his children and adored his grandchildren, especially when it came to teaching them new skills. Michael was known for being loving, caring, genuine, and for always making sure his mother and family were cared and loved for,” the obituary added.
Ruggles leaves behind his wife and four children, along with several grandchildren and other family members.
A memorial visitation is scheduled for Thursday in Antioch.