The sheriff’s office and local police located two people who went missing on foot in extreme cold less than 24 hours apart following extensive searches in Antioch and Wadsworth.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said a 60-year-old man with cognitive disabilities was reported missing from his home in Wadsworth around 11 p.m. Friday.
Temperatures had dropped into the teens, prompting an urgent and extensive search effort, Covelli said.
Deputies, canine teams, drones and other resources worked tirelessly into the early morning hours but the initial search was unsuccessful.
The sheriff’s criminal investigations division organized a systematic search grid once it was light out Saturday morning.
During the effort, the missing man was located near the Wadsworth Savanna Forest Preserve by Lake County Forest Preserve police officers, who were assisting with the search, Covelli said.
He was transported to a local hospital for treatment for cold exposure and is expected to make a full recovery.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 1:40 p.m. Saturday to unincorporated Antioch for a report of a missing elderly woman with multiple cognitive disabilities.
The woman had been last seen over an hour earlier and was believed to have left her home on foot, Covelli said.
The search included drones from partnering police departments and canine teams Duke, Zeus and Danno from the sheriff’s office.
During the search, Canine Duke, led by Deputy Dwight Arrowood, alerted to the woman’s scent.
Duke guided Arrowood to a vehicle near the home where the woman was found lying in the back seat.
Paramedics transported her to a local hospital for treatment of cold exposure. She is expected to recover fully.
Covelli said both missing persons faced life-threatening risks due to the extreme cold and their timely rescues “underscore the importance of coordinated efforts and specialized resources.”
“In the span of just 24 hours, the dedication and teamwork of our sheriff’s deputies, K9 teams, and law enforcement partners saved two lives,” Sheriff John D. Idleburg said.
“Despite the harsh outdoor elements, these highly endangered individuals were found and brought to safety. We extend our gratitude to all of our law enforcement partners for their critical role in these rescues and commend the exceptional skills of our K9 teams. This is a testament to the unwavering commitment of everyone involved to protecting our community,” Idleburg said.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said the Lake County Forest Preserve Police, Zion Police Department, Fox Lake Police Department, Antioch Police Department, Libertyville Police Department, Gurnee Police Department and Illinois State Police assisted.