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DNR NEWS
Division of Law Enforcement



Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Division of Law Enforcement
402 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2748

For immediate release: September 25, 2017

Body of Illinois Man Recovered From Lake Michigan

Porter, IN - Indiana Conservation Officers on Sunday were called to the area of Porter Beach after 21 year old, Alex Lopez, of Plainfield, Illinois was reported missing after the kayak he was on overturned shortly after 5:00 p.m.

The investigation revealed Alex and two friends were kayaking approximately 150 yards offshore from Porter Beach when their kayaks capsized. Alex was not wearing a life jacket and went under the surface of the water and did not return. His two friends were wearing life jackets and were able to stay afloat and summon help.

Emergency responders from several agencies responded to the scene and initiated a search for Alex that lasted several hours. After dark the search was postponed until early this morning. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter located a body floating in the water near the area at approximately 7:00 a.m. this morning and directed members of the Porter Volunteer Fire Department to the area to assist with recovering the body.

The body was positively identified as Alex Lopez and turned over to the Porter County Coroner’s Office. The incident is being investigated by conservation officers as a boating accident and the cause of death is suspected accidental drowning. Alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the incident and toxicology results are pending.

The incident remains under investigation and Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted by Indiana National Lakeshore Park Rangers, Porter Police, U.S. Coast Guard, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Burns Harbor Fire, Chesterton Fire, Portage Fire, and Porter Fire.