A Waukegan man drowned Tuesday evening while swimming in Lake Michigan near Zion, according to Lake County authorities.
He was identified Wednesday by the coroner’s office as Luis Espinosa Contreras, 20.
Local fire departments were alerted at about 6:26 p.m. by witnesses who reported seeing Contreras slip under the water at Illinois Beach State Park but not resurface. Water conditions were calm with light winds, authorities said.
Zion and Winthrop Harbor firefighters responded and activated a call for help from other departments. Shortly after the mutual aid alarm was issued, rescue personnel found Contreras and brought him to shore, where advanced life-saving attempts were initiated.
He was brought to Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan in critical condition, and he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy indicated that drowning was the cause of death, the coroner said.
During the rescue operation, several recreational boaters joined the search. Zion Fire and Rescue officials said while the intent was appreciated such involvement can create safety issues for divers.
The incident remains under investigation.