Mother tragically drowns after rescuing son from Des Plaines River in Illinois
The 31-year-old woman was trying to help her son in the water and later drowned.
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THE TAKEAWAY
- A woman in her 30s was killed after rescuing her son from the water.
- It happened over the weekend at the Des Plaines River in Libertyville, Illinois.
- Officials said the woman appears to have drowned.
LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. — A 31-year-old woman died Sunday after entering the Des Plaines River to help her son near Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, Illinois, according to the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities identified the woman as Angelina Khalimendik of Hinsdale. An autopsy conducted Monday at the Lake County Coroner’s Office found that her death was consistent with drowning.
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At approximately 7:01 p.m. Sunday, the Lake County Forest Preserve Police and Libertyville Fire Department responded to the Des Plaines River near Independence Grove Forest Preserve for a water rescue, according to the coroner’s office.
The Des Plaines River begins in southern Wisconsin and flows into the Kankakee River, forming the Illinois River
(John Ruberry / Getty Images)
First responders found Khalimendik unconscious and not breathing. She was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead in the emergency room.
A preliminary investigation indicates Khalimendik entered the river to help her son. After successfully helping him to safety, she became submerged, according to the coroner’s office. A family member and bystanders rushed to her aid and removed her from the water.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to the hospital.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic death in the Des Plaines River near Libertyville on Sunday evening. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Ron Davis, Lake County Forest Preserves’ police chief, said in a statement.
The incident remains under investigation at this time.