Search Resumes for Boater Missing on the Chicago River

A Chicago Fire Department diver died during the rescue mission on Monday night, officials said

The search resumed Tuesday for a man who went missing in the Chicago River over the holiday weekend.

Crews returned to the area of the river near the 2600 block of South Ashland Avenue Tuesday to continue the mission after 28-year-old Alberto Lopez disappeared Monday night.

Lopez went missing at around 8 p.m. Monday night when a friend whose brother was on the boat said he fell into the water after the boat bounced against a wave.

Lopez's brother was also on the boat at the time, and friends said he has three children in Mexico.

A Chicago Fire Department diver died Monday from injuries sustained during the rescue operation, officials said.

Juan Bucio, 46, was among the first responders called to the scene.

Fire officials said Bucio was searching for Lopez in the water when he disappeared. 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."

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.

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.

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