CHICAGO — A months-long search for a missing Chicago boater has come to a tragic end. Authorities in Wisconsin Dells confirmed the recovery of 20-year-old Francesco L. Di Filippo, whose body was found near Newport Beach on the Wisconsin River.
Body Recovered by Wisconsin Dells Police
Police and firefighters were dispatched to the area around 2:13 p.m. when a report of a body in the water was made. Officials later confirmed the body was that of Francesco Di Filippo, a second-year student at Wright College in Chicago.
Francesco had been missing since April 3, when a boat carrying him and two other people capsized in volatile river conditions near Kilbourn Dam.
“The Wisconsin Dells Police Department sends its deepest condolences to the Di Filippo/Schultz family,” the agency said in a statement. “While tragic, we hope that the recovery of Francesco provides a measure of closure for them.”
Incident Background and Search Efforts
According to Wisconsin Dells police, the incident occurred during spring break, when Francesco was boating with his grandfather, Luis F. Di Filippo, 75, and another individual, Giovanni Mills.
The boat capsized suddenly due to rough currents, and while Mills was able to swim to shore safely, Luis’s body was discovered the next day in the river. Francesco remained missing until this recent discovery.
Local authorities had coordinated with multiple search and recovery teams throughout April and May but were initially unsuccessful in locating him.
Family Mourns Loss of Two Loved Ones
Family members described the heartbreaking toll of losing both a grandson and grandfather in the same tragedy.
“Luis was just trying to enjoy spring break with his grandsons,” said daughter Lina Schultz. “I don’t think he knew the water levels were so high.”
She described Francesco as “the most caring 20-year-old you ever came across. He never said no. Family always came first.”
Luis, married to his wife Sandra for 48 years, leaves behind a legacy of three children and four grandchildren. Family members also expressed their gratitude for the efforts of search crews and the local community who supported them during the ordeal.
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