Man dies after being pulled from Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park

A man died Sunday after being pulled from Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park near Zion, authorities said Monday. The victim, identified only as an adult male, was initially pulled from the water near the rocks by bystanders, according to Lake County Sheriff's Office Chief Christopher Covelli. Sheriff's deputies assisted them in bringing the man to shore after being dispatched to the state park at 4:35 p.m. Sunday for a report of a possible drowning. Deputies immediately began CPR, but the man was unresponsive and cold to the touch, Covelli said. Personnel from the Zion Fire Rescue Department and Beach Park Fire Department arrived shortly thereafter and continued lifesaving efforts. The man was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The preliminary investigation indicates the man had been seen jumping into the lake from the rocks for several minutes, but at some point, witnesses observed him floating farther from shore, Covelli said. Bystanders retrieved the man from the water and brought him toward shore as sheriff's deputies arrived. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has assumed responsibility for the investigation. The man's identity had not yet been released Monday. cplacek@dailyherald.com