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Two former Wheaton College football players died after drowning in Lake Michigan this past weekend.
Ottawa County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene near the south pier of the Pigeon Lake Channel in Port Sheldon Township at approximately 1:15 p.m. on Saturday.
CBS News Chicago reports that the emergency response was triggered by calls regarding individuals struggling in the water.
Investigators stated that a group of friends was visiting the area when several people jumped from the pier into the water.
A 24-year-old man began to struggle shortly after entering the lake.
Multiple members of the group attempted to rescue him, but a 26-year-old man also went underwater during the effort.
Bystanders successfully pulled one man from the lake before emergency responders arrived.
Ottawa County Marine Patrol officers and Grand Haven Township firefighters recovered the second man from the water.
Both men were later pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been identified as 24-year-old Philip LoChirco of Warrenville, Illinois, and 26-year-old Jalen Shaffer of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Wheaton College confirmed that both men were former members of the school’s football program.
Shaffer played four seasons for the team before graduating in 2022.
LoChirco completed three seasons over four years before his graduation in 2023.
Wheaton College head football coach Jesse Scott described both men as brothers and teammates who left a lasting impact on the program.
LoChirco also served as an assistant football coach at Wheaton Academy in West Chicago.
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Water Safety Awareness
Lake Michigan is known for unpredictable currents and rapid changes in water conditions that can overwhelm even experienced swimmers.
Always observe posted warning signs regarding swimming near piers and breakwalls, as these structures often create dangerous rip currents.
Never swim alone and ensure that someone on the shore is monitoring the water at all times.
If you find yourself caught in a current, remain calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are free of the pull.
Consider wearing a life jacket if you plan to swim in open water, especially near areas with known underwater hazards or strong surges.
