15-year-old north suburban boy drowns in Chain O' Lakes, coroner says

FOX LAKE, Ill. (WLS) -- A 15-year-old north suburban boy drowned Monday night in the Chain O'Lakes, officials said.

The Lake County Coroner's Office identified the boy as Brayan Monzanga of Round Lake.

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Chief Christopher Covelli with the Lake County Sheriff's Office said he either jumped off a boat or fell into the water in Myers Bay, which is part of Pistakee Lake, and never resurfaced.

Authorities said the swimmer's friends jumped in and tried to find him, but were unable to.

That's when the 911 call came in around 6 p.m. and minutes later, emergency crews arrived on scene near north suburban Fox Lake.

Divers and search teams conducted what they hoped would be a rescue operation - before the search shifted to a recovery.

The missing teen was found nearly two hours later by an underwater drone-device. He was not wearing a life jacket.

"Just recreational swimming on the water, went into the water and never came back up. At that point, we were contacted via 911 and started our operations and response," Fox Lake Fire Deputy Chief Samuel Santiago said. "This is a great location to come bring your families and that's what they were just trying to do. So just from that aspect, from the organization to the family, we're very sorry for your loss."

Monzanga was a sophomore at Grayslake Central High School, Grayslake Community High School District 127 said.

He was a three-sport athlete who participated in football, basketball and track.

"He will be terribly missed by both our students and staff. Our hearts go out to his family during this difficult time," the district said.

The student services department is available to support any members of the school community who need assistance.

The incident remains under investigation by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police and the Lake County Coroner's Office.