Overview

• The kayaker’s body was recovered near the Great Western Trail Bridge early July 31 after a civilian spotted it in the water.
• Search teams from more than two dozen fire departments used sonar, dive units, drones and rescue dogs in a nearly 20-hour operation over two days.
• The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police and the Kane County Coroner’s Office have taken over the formal investigation.
• Officials have interviewed the boat operator thought to be involved and are probing whether its wake or impact overturned the kayak.
• Disputed accounts of life-jacket use have highlighted concerns over unlit boats and prompted calls for stricter nighttime river safety rules.