Woman dead, 4 seriously hurt after 2 boats collide on Lake Michigan downtown Chicago, officials say
The Coast Guard said 14 people were involved in the crash.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- One person died and at least four others were seriously injured when two boats collided on Lake Michigan near downtown Chicago on Thursday night.
The Coast Guard said it was notified of the crash involving 14 people, whose ages range from about 18 to 26 years old, near Monroe Harbor around 11:45 p.m.
Authorities have identified a 26-year-old West Loop woman who died after a collision between the two boats, while investigators continue to release few details about what led up to the crash.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The Chicago Fire Department said the two boats were coming back into port when one overtook the other about 1.5 miles away from shore.
The Coast Guard said both boats involved are considered recreational vehicles. CFD said one is about 38 feet and the other is about 42 feet.
One of the boats had nine people aboard, and the other had five people, the Coast Guard said.
When crews arrived, they found multiple people on the smaller boat in distress.
CFD said two people ended up in the water, but other people on the boats quickly removed them from the lake before authorities arrived on the scene.
First responders arrived on the scene within seven minutes after the first call came in, and five people were hospitalized in serious to grave conditions, CFD said.
Three people, including a woman in grave condition, were taken to Northwestern Hospital, CFD said. Two others were taken to Stroger Hospital.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed that a 26-year-old woman, Johanna H. Gregory, died.
Investigators said Gregory, a Chicago resident, was on board one of the vessels involved in the collision.
Gannon University's director of athletics issued a statement Friday, saying "Johanna was a beloved member of our volleyball program and Gannon family. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Nine other people involved in the boat crash refused treatment, CFD said.
The Coast Guard towed one boat to Queens Landing across from Buckingham Fountain. Chicago police towed the other boat, which suffered the most damage, to CPD Marine Unit headquarters.
"While the circumstances are under investigation, this serves as a sobering reminder that safety on the water begins long before leaving the dock," Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. James Alling said in a statement. "Boaters should always wear a life jacket, maintain a proper lookout, operate at a safe speed, and never operate a vessel under the influence. Taking these simple precautions can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy."
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is handling the investigation, which CFD said everyone involved is cooperating with.
Chicago Fire Department Deputy District Chief Jason Lach said preliminary information suggests both boats were returning to port.
"Two vessels were coming back into port," he said. "We are not exactly sure if they were both coming back in here to Monroe Harbor or Burnham Harbor one vessel overtook another one, and there was a collision that happened."
Officials said both boats sustained significant damage, with the vessel carrying the injured passengers suffering the most damage to its stern. Investigators added that lake conditions were not a factor in the crash and said it remains unclear whether alcohol played a role.
Authorities also have not determined whether either vessel had its running lights on at the time of the collision. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation.
CFD urged boaters to use caution, emphasizing the need to be aware of lake conditions, know the vessel being used, have life vests on hand, and respect other boaters.
Authorities did not immediately provide further information about the crash.
