A 76-year-old man who went missing before being found dead in the water at a marina in Winthrop Harbor was a former U.S. Coast Guard commodore with over 38 years of service.
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.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Great Lakes District Western Region Commodore Rob Kumpf said Staggs was a past district commodore.
Staggs enrolled in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in May 1987 and actively served for more than 38 years until his death.
He received many awards, including the Auxiliary Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal for his service as district commodore from 2015-2016, the Medal of Operational Merit, the Advanced Boat Force Device, the AUXOP Device and the Coast Guard Coxswain Device.
“He was a dedicated mariner who loved being underway and serving his community. COMO Staggs was especially passionate about Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, and he was one of the leading fundraisers for CGMA in the Coast Guard Auxiliary,” Kumpf said.
“Staggs ensured that our district raised funds for CGMA, and thanks to his efforts, thousands of Coast Guard families have been able to get the help they needed when times were tough,” Kumpf said.
Staggs was a “man of many talents,” including a salesman, a cook, a police officer, a mortician and he even drove an ambulance. He also worked in management and was a teacher.
“He brought all of those skills to bear during his Auxiliary service, and our district is better for having his leadership as district commodore. Please keep COMO Staggs’ family, friends, and shipmates in your thoughts & prayers,” Kumpf said.
Funeral services for Staggs will be held on Saturday at St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Chicago. Viewing begins at 9 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 11 a.m.
The IDNR has not released further information on the circumstances of what may have led to Stagg’s disappearance in the water.