Search for missing swimmer in Fox River called off

CARPENTERSVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- The search for the body of a missing swimmer in the Fox River in northwest suburban Carpentersville has been called off Sunday night.

Three young men in their early 20's from out of town decided to come to Fox River for fun and recreation. Two of them thought they would take a swim across the river when one of them got into trouble and crews went looking for him all day Sunday.

Carpentersville emergency crews were called shortly before 10 a.m. Sunday and alerted that there was a subject in the water on the Fox River.

They immediately deployed divers and sonar scanning equipment from various divisions to help in the rescue. A preliminary investigation indicated three friends were visiting the river for a day of fishing and recreation.

"The two elected to take their swim across the river," said Alan Popp, Carpentersville Public Safety Director. "One was a stronger swimmer and he reported after we rescued him, having a difficult time in the heavy current. He looked back over his shoulder to see his companion, his friend, struggling in the water and being cast down river."

The second individual remained missing Sunday evening and authorities say they are now calling the search a recovery effort.