The coroner has identified a 76-year-old man who went missing before being found dead in the water at a marina in Winthrop Harbor following an hours-long search on Saturday.
An autopsy performed on Monday suggested that John Staggs, 76, of Chicago, died as a result of drowning, according to Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek.
The Winthrop Harbor Fire Department responded around 3:30 p.m. Saturday to North Point Marina, 701 North Point Drive, for a report of a missing person possibly in the water.
Winthrop Harbor Fire Chief Rocco Campanella said the police were initially called to the scene to check Staggs’ boat before calling the fire department to conduct the water search.
First responders initiated a coordinated search operation after an initial investigation revealed a “high probability” that Staggs had entered the water, fire officials said.
Staggs was last seen around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the box alarm level due to the scope and complexity of the incident.
Fire officials said the activation brought additional divers and side-scan sonar technicians to the scene.
Fire, rescue and law enforcement personnel from Lake, McHenry, and Kenosha counties assisted in the search.
Staggs was found deceased in the water beneath a dock around 8:45 p.m. Saturday, more than five hours after crews began searching, fire officials said.
“The Winthrop Harbor Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time,” the fire department said.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources also assisted in the incident.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and took possession of Staggs.
The IDNR has not released further information on the circumstances of what may have led to the man’s disappearance in the water.