The city of Chicago was in mourning after a Chicago Fire Department diver died Monday from injuries sustained during a rescue operation, officials said.
Juan Bucio, 46, was among the first responders called to a report of a person missing in the Chicago River near the 2600 block of South Ashland Avenue at around 8 p.m. Monday night, authorities said.
Fire officials said Bucio was searching for a 28-year-old man who witnesses said they saw jump from a boat into the river. At one point, Bucio lost communication with his dive partner during the rescue attempt, officials said.
Authorities said he was later located and CPR was administered before he was taken in critical condition to Stroger Hospital, where he later died.
"An order was given to switch out divers to bring the second team in, give them a break," Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago said at a news conference.
"At that time, they were coming towards the boat. His partner turned around and he was missing, that quick," Santiago added.
"The entire Chicago Fire Department's prayers go out to the family of Firefighter Juan Bucio, who tragically passed away," CFD said on Twitter.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel issued a statement early Tuesday morning, calling Bucio a "special type of person" willing to put himself in harm's way to help others in need.
"Our hearts are heavy tonight," Emanuel said. "When the call came for help, Juan Bucio was that special type of person who answered. He was dedicated to Chicago and committed to keeping us all safe. He will be missed, but his service and his selflessness will be remembered."
In Bucios Southwest Side neighborhood Tuesday night, neighbors tied red ribbons around tree. A lone Chicago Fire Department helmet was seen resting on a balcony.
Bucio joined the fire department in 2003, and has been on the dive team since 2007, fire officials said. He is survived by his two sons, ages seven and nine, and nine siblings, including a brother who works for the Chicago Fire Department, and a sister who works for the Chicago Police Department.
Two other divers were also injured in the incident, according to CFD, and were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where they were treated and released.
Officials did not locate the missing boater, and a search for him was expected to resume in daylight on Tuesday.
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Bucio was the 13th member of the Chicago Fire Department to die in the line of duty since the year 2000, records show.
The incident remained under investigation, authorities said.
Donations can be made to the Chicago Fire Department's Widows' and Children's Assistance Fund.
