Chicago fire and police divers have located the body of 29-year-old Michael Fernandez on Sunday, one day after he went missing while trying to save his dog from the Lincoln Park Lagoon.
Fernandez was last seen diving into the 18-feet-deep water to try to save his dog Sora on Saturday afternoon. A woman who witnessed him jump into the water said she tried to help, but was unable to reach him.
Arthur Fernandez, the victim's uncle, said he and Sora were inseparable.
Authorities searched for several hours, but poor visibility, murky water and hazardous conditions caused them to postpone their search until Sunday.
Divers were able to locate the body just after 1 p.m. Sunday, and his family later confirmed it was Fernandez's.
Fernandez's uncle says his mission now is trying to help others understand how dangerous the lagoon can be, even for experienced swimmers like his nephew.
"There is no fencing...to keep kids from falling into the lagoon...no safety features," the uncle added. "The public has to stand up and see if they can get something done for rest of the people, so it does not happen to their kids."
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Fernandez was a limo driver who liked body building, according to the family.
An autopsy by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office along with funeral arrangements are pending.
