1 Rescued, Another Body Recovered from Calumet River

Two men went into the water on Tuesday afternoon

Dive crews on Tuesday evening recovered the body of a man who went missing in the Calumet River on Chicago's far south side.

The body of Neil Karas was found in the center of the river near where he was last seen, in about 15 feet of water.

Earlier in the day, Karas hopped into the river near East 137th Street west of South Torrence Avenue and attempted to swim across but began struggling. A friend jumped in to rescue Karas but couldn't reach him, officials said.

That friend was pulled from the water at about 2:45 p.m. by emergency responders.

The search for Karas continued for several hours, with crews calling it a "recovery missing" during the 6 p.m. hour. The river locks were closed to boats to reduce disturbances in the water while crews searched for the body.

Officials said the river has very low visibility and a very soft, quicksand-like bottom.

Residents who live in the area said drownings are not uncommon, adding that alcohol is often one of the main contributors.

Contact Us