CHICAGO — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in DuPage County this week as 52-year-old Hipolito “Polo” Hernandez, a beloved father of five from Bensenville, was found dead in the Wood Dale/Itasca Reservoir after a prohibited swimming attempt.
Body Found in Search Following Reservoir Swim Attempt
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County police recovered Hernandez’s body around 7:35 p.m. Wednesday after deploying a kayak search in the Wood Dale/Itasca Reservoir. His family had reported him missing earlier that day, fearing the worst after he entered the water and failed to reappear.
The reservoir, located in a retention basin not meant for swimming, is known to reach depths of up to 40 feet. Despite being unusually shallow that morning—just four feet in some places—it proved deadly. The area is designed for stormwater management along Salt Creek and is not a designated recreational swimming spot, making the attempt particularly dangerous.
Family Mourns the Loss of “Polo” Hernandez
According to ABC7 Chicago, Hernandez’s sister Celia confirmed his identity and shared that their family had recently lost their mother just weeks before this incident. “He loved to go in ponds. Drink, get in there, you know… We just lost my mother a month and a half ago,” she told reporters, describing Polo as the main caregiver of the family.
His sudden passing leaves behind five children and a grieving community that remembers him for his joyful spirit and dedication to his loved ones.
Investigation Ongoing by DuPage Authorities
As noted by WGN-TV, the DuPage County Coroner’s Office, led by Coroner Judith Lukas, is conducting further examinations to determine the official cause of death. Authorities from the Forest Preserve District continue their investigation into what led to Hernandez’s decision to enter the reservoir.
No public statements have been made regarding possible citations or penalties for entering restricted waters, and it remains unclear whether alcohol or other factors contributed to the incident.
Call for Caution Around Local Waterways
This incident is a sobering reminder of the risks posed by swimming in unauthorized bodies of water. Even areas that appear shallow or calm can turn perilous, especially without lifeguards or proper safety measures in place.
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