Chicago police are investigating a grim discovery made on the city’s North Side early Saturday morning.
Emergency crews responded to a call regarding a person in the water at approximately 7:23 a.m.
The incident occurred in the 5200 block of North Virginia Avenue.
This location sits along a scenic stretch of the Chicago River near River Park.
First responders located the body of a 52-year-old man in the river.
The Chicago Fire Department’s water rescue teams successfully removed the individual from the water.
Medical personnel pronounced the man dead at the scene.
Detectives have cordoned off the area to look for potential evidence along the riverbank.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the man pending notification of his family.
At this time, officials have not determined the official cause of death.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to perform an autopsy in the coming days.
Chicago Police confirmed that the case is currently being handled as a death investigation.
Recent History
This discovery has shaken residents in the quiet Lincoln Square and Budlong Woods neighborhoods.
The 5200 block of North Virginia Avenue is a popular spot for morning joggers and dog walkers.
While the area is generally considered safe, the North Branch of the Chicago River has seen similar tragedies in recent years.
Last year, community members raised concerns about lighting and safety near the river’s edge after a string of unrelated water recoveries across the North Side.
Local records show that river-related death investigations often take weeks to conclude as toxicology reports are processed.
Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and park cameras to track the man’s final movements.
Investigators are asking anyone who was near River Park early Saturday morning to come forward with information.
For now, the neighborhood remains on edge as they wait for answers regarding how the man ended up in the water.
