Illinois Man Who Died In Lake Michigan While Exploring Shipwreck Identified As 72-Year-Old Winthrop Harbor Man

Copied!
Fire and Police Personnel Returning From Rescue Yesterday
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

On September 10th, 2024, around 11:30 am, the United States Coast Guard received and relayed a distress call from a vessel at the S.S. Wisconsin shipwreck regarding a scuba diver who had not returned to the surface. Numerous agencies responded to assist. The search for the missing diver soon became a recovery operation due to the amount of time that the diver had been missing. On September 11th, around 10:15 am, the missing scuba diver was recovered. The diver has been positively identified as 72-year-old Patrick Kelly of Winthrop Harbor, IL.

Paid Advertisement
SS Wisconsin – Wikipedia

The diver had been diving the shipwreck of the S.S. Wisconsin off the Village of Pleasant Prairie coastline approximately 6 miles out in water over 120 feet deep. When Mr. Kelly did not resurface when he was scheduled to do so, his wife, who was on board their vessel, sent out a distress call requesting immediate help.

Paid Advertisement

Immediately upon receiving this distress call, the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department, Pleasant Prairie Fire Department, the United States Coast Guard, and numerous other agencies deployed their rescue boats to the dive location. Due to poor water conditions, the recovery efforts on September 10th were postponed around 5:00 pm until the morning of September 11th when conditions were safer.

Paid Advertisement

Using a combination of sonar and several Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Mr. Kelly was located approximately 125ft below the surface on the bottom of Lake Michigan in the area of the S.S. Wisconsin. Recovery efforts were successful in bringing Mr. Kelly back to the surface.

Paid Advertisement

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department would like to thank all the agencies who responded to assist in this technical recovery. Assisting agencies came from the counties of: Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee., Walworth, Lake Co. IL, McHenry Co. IL, Cook Co., IL, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the United States Coast Guard, and the community members who also assisted in this recovery.

Paid Advertisement

The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the diving community who were all impacted by this tragic event. The Kenosha Human Development Services – Crisis Line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. If anyone needs someone to talk to, the Crisis Line is always available: 262-657-7188.

Paid Advertisement
“Diver Down” Red Flag
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Area Law Enforcement Command Personnel Yesterday
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Area Law Enforcement Command Personnel Yesterday
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Fire and Police Personnel Returning From Rescue Yesterday
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Fire and Police Personnel Returning From Rescue Yesterday
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Area Law Enforcement Command Personnel Yesterday
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Fire and Police Personnel Returning From Rescue Yesterday
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
Fire and Police Personnel Returning From Rescue Yesterday
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)

Author

Copied!
LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Bail Lowered for Kenosha Man in High-Speed Chase Despite DA Objections

Marco A. Infusino, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — The cash bail for Marco A. Infusino — the 25-year-old Kenosha man accused of leading police on a 115 mph chase into Illinois — has been lowered twice in the span of just over a week. Court Commissioner William Michel initially signed a $75,000 arrest warrant, then set bail at $50,000 during

Plus +

DA: Kenosha Man Threatened to Kill Ex, Held Gun Inches from Her Head

Joseph T. Leese-Schulte, 23, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 23-year-old Kenosha man is accused of pointing a gun at his ex-girlfriend’s head during an hours-long ordeal that allegedly included a high-speed drive, threats of murder, and a forced walk to a lakeshore rock pile while he held her at gunpoint. You must be logged in to view the rest of

MORE TOP STORIES
Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Getting High Before High-Speed Chase

Josue I. Rubio Arreguin, 20, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 20-year-old Kenosha man is facing multiple criminal charges—and a municipal OWI—after allegedly leading police on a 100 mph chase while under the influence of THC. You must be logged in to view the rest of this

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged With Spitting at Officer, Stealing Liquor From Downtown Bar

Cristian San Pedro Lopez, 33(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A homeless man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a $140 bottle of whiskey, brandishing a knife, and attempting to spit on a police officer during his arrest Saturday night. You must be logged in to view the rest

Plus +

Racine Man Charged with OWI 5th After Allegedly Driving 80 mph Drunk in Somers

James Kenney Taylor, 54, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – A 54-year-old Racine man with a lengthy drunk driving history was charged Monday with his fifth offense of operating while intoxicated, after allegedly speeding at 80 mph through the Village of Somers while under the influence of alcohol.

Categories
Archives
Authors

28 Responses

  1. Kevin,
    How about a story on how the Kenosha Coast Guard station is unmanned again except for an occasional patrol. They left a few yeas ago and came back after boater/elected official out cry. The nearest boat comes out of Milwaukee. The Coast Guard seasonal helicopter doesn’t seem to be stationed out of Waukegan Airport on a regular basis either. Lake Michigan is a very busy recreational and sportsman lake and deserves better Coastie services.

    11
    3
    1. The feds need more $$$, care to donate some more of yours? There’s Ukraine Israel to help, they will need our financial support for many decades to come! Plus $1Trillion in interest per year that’s surely going to stabilize 🤣🤣 NOTHING STOPS THIS TRAIN

  2. Great coverage of a sad story.

    Sidebar: As a practical matter, I’m nowhere near as old as that guy, and I wouldn’t even drive on the interstate let alone go scuba diving. That’s risky business. Man has no business being in the air or under water — especially at that age. Way too risky.

    2
    5
    1. (Bird Watcher)
      Judging other people’s abilities based on age and your
      own inabilities, is anything but a practical matter.

      FIY, two lane highways and surface roads are
      more dangerous than the interstate.

      Show some respect for people that haven’t
      given up living, just because you think they’re old.
      It’s much better than getting old, because you’ve given up living.

      9
      3
    2. You do know this man was an experienced and seasoned diver, right? What gives you the right to judge him on what he loved doing? Obviously he knew the risks involved in every dive and was ok with that. Let him rest in peace.

      6
      1
    3. As a fellow diver, I’m SHOCKED that he didn’t use the buddy system while diving. It’s one of the most important rules. a 120′ dive is no joke and extremely dangerous even in the best conditions.

      Heart felt condolences to his family and a big thank you to the Rescue 🛟 Teams that help provide closure by recovering his remains. ❤️

      1. Been on the Wisconsin & is no easy dive given cold water and at best poor light conditions. EVERY diver knows ALWAYS a buddy. I am so sorry for his wife and FAMILY! GOD BLESS YOU ALL !

      1. My point is why does the county have such poor equipment that their boat just sunk? Of course I agree they should do everything to find this person.

        1. The boat was not intended for Lake Michigan and the wave conditions that day. Might have been overloaded?

    1. I agree. We have to now pay for a new boat and gear- but that somehow doesn’t matter? Yes, it’s tragic this man died but we cannot oversee such things.
      It’s like all the missing money pointed out the day before 9/11. No one cares now?

    2. Jenny W, don’t bother replying to a crank who identifies as a punctuation mark and goes around judging people. This guy is a goofball.

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Bail Lowered for Kenosha Man in High-Speed Chase Despite DA Objections

Marco A. Infusino, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — The cash bail for Marco A. Infusino — the 25-year-old Kenosha man accused of leading police on a 115 mph chase into Illinois — has been lowered twice in the span of just over a week. Court Commissioner William Michel initially signed a $75,000 arrest warrant, then set bail at $50,000 during

Plus +

DA: Kenosha Man Threatened to Kill Ex, Held Gun Inches from Her Head

Joseph T. Leese-Schulte, 23, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 23-year-old Kenosha man is accused of pointing a gun at his ex-girlfriend’s head during an hours-long ordeal that allegedly included a high-speed drive, threats of murder, and a forced walk to a lakeshore rock pile while he held her at gunpoint. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Getting High Before High-Speed Chase

Josue I. Rubio Arreguin, 20, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 20-year-old Kenosha man is facing multiple criminal charges—and a municipal OWI—after allegedly leading police on a 100 mph chase while under the influence of THC. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged With Spitting at Officer, Stealing Liquor From Downtown Bar

Cristian San Pedro Lopez, 33(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A homeless man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a $140 bottle of whiskey, brandishing a knife, and attempting to spit on a police officer during his arrest Saturday night. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Illinois Man Charged with Felony Domestic Abuse After Allegedly Trying to Hit Woman with Car

Deandre E. James, 25, of Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 25-year-old Waukegan man is facing five criminal charges after allegedly assaulting the mother of his children in front of a Kwik Trip store, throwing her to the ground and attempting to hit her with his vehicle, all while the couple’s two young children were present. You must be logged in to

Plus +

Racine Man Charged with OWI 5th After Allegedly Driving 80 mph Drunk in Somers

James Kenney Taylor, 54, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – A 54-year-old Racine man with a lengthy drunk driving history was charged Monday with his fifth offense of operating while intoxicated, after allegedly speeding at 80 mph through the Village of Somers while under the influence of alcohol. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Strangling Woman, Threatening to Kill Her, and Fleeing with Children

Milton S. Alvarado Gomez, 33 of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 33-year-old Kenosha man is facing six charges—including felony strangulation—after allegedly attacking the mother of his children twice in one week, threatening to kill her, pouring hot water on her, and fleeing with their children, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday. You must be logged in to view the rest

Steil to Hold Elkhorn Listening Session Moderated by WCLO’s Tim Bremel

ELKHORN, Wis. – U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil will host an in-person listening session this Thursday evening at Elkhorn Area High School, giving constituents in Wisconsin’s First Congressional District a chance to voice concerns and seek help with federal agencies. The session will run from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in the school auditorium, located at 482 E. Geneva Street. It is free and

Crash Sparks Fire, Downed Power Lines in Salem Lakes; Two Injured

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A fiery two-vehicle crash at the intersection of County Roads B and F on Friday evening downed power lines and sent two people to the hospital with minor injuries, authorities said. Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue was dispatched to the scene around 6:30 p.m. on July 25. When crews arrived, both vehicles were fully engulfed in flames, and a broken utility

Picnic in the Park Returns to Petrifying Springs with Live Music, Games, and Fireworks

SOMERS, Wis. — Kenosha County’s popular “Picnic in the Park” celebration will return Saturday, Aug. 16, at Petrifying Springs Park, offering families a free evening of food, music, and entertainment, officials announced. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. on the south end of the park near the Biergarten and will conclude with a fireworks finale at dusk. Attractions include live performances by

Plus +

Silver Lake Man Indicted in Federal Court for Child Exploitation, Held Without Bond

Nelson C. Roberts-Smith, 30, of Silver Lake(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Silver Lake man is now facing federal charges of child sexual exploitation after a grand jury indicted him earlier this month in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Teen Charged After High-Speed Chase Into Illinois; $50,000 Warrant Issued

Preston Wayne Gandy, 17, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – A Racine teen is facing serious felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous, high-speed chase through Kenosha County and into Illinois earlier this week. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Forgery Charge Filed After Woman Allegedly Cashes Fake Snap-on Check

Nicole Marie Montoya, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is facing a felony forgery charge after allegedly cashing a counterfeit check from Snap-on for more than $1,400 at a local business earlier this month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Many New Faces at Kenosha DA’s Office as Solis Rebuilds Staff

KENOSHA, Wis. — Since taking office in January, District Attorney Xavier Solis has overseen a significant transformation within the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office, bringing in new prosecutors and charting a fresh course for the office’s future. Solis, sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025, has hired seven assistant district attorneys in his first seven months, with more expected to join soon. Two new

Deputy DA Drew Burgoyne to Leave Kenosha County DA’s Office in Late August

KENOSHA, Wis. — Deputy District Attorney Drew Burgoyne announced Thursday that he will leave the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office in late August, ending a 16-year career defined by legal excellence, moral conviction, and deep public service. In a farewell email to staff earlier today, Burgoyne expressed gratitude for his colleagues and began with a passage from Ecclesiastes 3:1–15: “To every thing there

Fly Kidz Dance Celebrates 10 Years by Offering Free Fall Dance Program for Local Youth

TWIN LAKES, Wis. – In honor of its 10-year anniversary, Fly Kidz Dance is giving families in the Twin Lakes area something to celebrate—a completely free eight-week fall dance session for children, the studio announced this week. This marks the first time Fly Kidz has waived tuition fees in its decade-long history. The initiative is aimed at making dance more accessible, boosting children’s

Plus +

New Kenosha County Supervisor Sparks Outrage With 32-Hour Work Week Proposal

Kenosha County Board Supervisor Andres Gama (D)(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A little-known first-term Kenosha County Board supervisor is causing a stir with a controversial draft resolution that would lay the groundwork for a county government shift to a four-day, 32-hour work week — with no reduction in pay. You must be logged in to view the

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged With Felony OWI 4th After Crashing Into Field, Endangering Mother and Child

Jeremy D. Kipp, 43, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) RANDALL, Wis. — A Kenosha man is facing felony charges after authorities say he drove drunk through rural Randall at high speeds, narrowly missed hitting another vehicle, and crashed into a nursery field, causing thousands of dollars in damage. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Choking, Threatening Victim With Knife; Held on $7,500 Bail

Adarius S. Tanner, 30, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 30-year-old Kenosha man is facing multiple criminal charges, including felony victim intimidation, following a violent domestic incident involving the mother of his children and two minors who witnessed the attack. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Dozens Cited, Multiple Arrests at 2025 Country Thunder Festival

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office made 15 criminal arrests and issued 194 citations during this year’s Country Thunder music festival, which drew thousands of concertgoers to the Twin Lakes area for four days of music, camping, and partying. Deputies responded to a total of 473 calls for service during the event. While many were routine, others led to citations

‘Most Significant’ Riot Lawsuit Could Extend Years, Kenosha Counsel Warns

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — Nearly five years after the 2020 riots that devastated downtown Kenosha, two major federal civil rights lawsuits related to the Kyle Rittenhouse shootings have been formally consolidated — and may remain in litigation well into 2026 or beyond. Sam Hall, the county’s outside legal counsel, briefed the Kenosha County Board in open session on July 15, outlining the status

Report Blames Top Leadership for Chaotic Kenosha Riot Response

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – A long-awaited emergency readiness assessment, commissioned by the Kenosha County Board, paints a deeply critical picture of how local officials—most of whom are no longer in office—responded to the violent riots that erupted after the police shooting of Jacob Blake in August 2020. The report, prepared by national consulting firm Jensen Hughes, found that senior leadership during the crisis—namely

LATEST NEWS
Plus +

Bail Lowered for Kenosha Man in High-Speed Chase Despite DA Objections

Marco A. Infusino, 25, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — The cash bail for Marco A. Infusino — the 25-year-old Kenosha man accused of leading police on a 115 mph chase into Illinois — has been lowered twice in the span of just over a week. Court Commissioner William Michel initially signed a $75,000 arrest warrant, then set bail at $50,000 during

Plus +

DA: Kenosha Man Threatened to Kill Ex, Held Gun Inches from Her Head

Joseph T. Leese-Schulte, 23, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 23-year-old Kenosha man is accused of pointing a gun at his ex-girlfriend’s head during an hours-long ordeal that allegedly included a high-speed drive, threats of murder, and a forced walk to a lakeshore rock pile while he held her at gunpoint. You must be logged in to view the rest of

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Getting High Before High-Speed Chase

Josue I. Rubio Arreguin, 20, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. – A 20-year-old Kenosha man is facing multiple criminal charges—and a municipal OWI—after allegedly leading police on a 100 mph chase while under the influence of THC. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Charged With Spitting at Officer, Stealing Liquor From Downtown Bar

Cristian San Pedro Lopez, 33(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A homeless man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing a $140 bottle of whiskey, brandishing a knife, and attempting to spit on a police officer during his arrest Saturday night. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Illinois Man Charged with Felony Domestic Abuse After Allegedly Trying to Hit Woman with Car

Deandre E. James, 25, of Illinois(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A 25-year-old Waukegan man is facing five criminal charges after allegedly assaulting the mother of his children in front of a Kwik Trip store, throwing her to the ground and attempting to hit her with his vehicle, all while the couple’s two young children were present. You must be logged in to

Plus +

Racine Man Charged with OWI 5th After Allegedly Driving 80 mph Drunk in Somers

James Kenney Taylor, 54, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – A 54-year-old Racine man with a lengthy drunk driving history was charged Monday with his fifth offense of operating while intoxicated, after allegedly speeding at 80 mph through the Village of Somers while under the influence of alcohol. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Man Accused of Strangling Woman, Threatening to Kill Her, and Fleeing with Children

Milton S. Alvarado Gomez, 33 of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. – A 33-year-old Kenosha man is facing six charges—including felony strangulation—after allegedly attacking the mother of his children twice in one week, threatening to kill her, pouring hot water on her, and fleeing with their children, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday. You must be logged in to view the rest

Steil to Hold Elkhorn Listening Session Moderated by WCLO’s Tim Bremel

ELKHORN, Wis. – U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil will host an in-person listening session this Thursday evening at Elkhorn Area High School, giving constituents in Wisconsin’s First Congressional District a chance to voice concerns and seek help with federal agencies. The session will run from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in the school auditorium, located at 482 E. Geneva Street. It is free and

Crash Sparks Fire, Downed Power Lines in Salem Lakes; Two Injured

SALEM LAKES, Wis. — A fiery two-vehicle crash at the intersection of County Roads B and F on Friday evening downed power lines and sent two people to the hospital with minor injuries, authorities said. Salem Lakes Fire/Rescue was dispatched to the scene around 6:30 p.m. on July 25. When crews arrived, both vehicles were fully engulfed in flames, and a broken utility

Picnic in the Park Returns to Petrifying Springs with Live Music, Games, and Fireworks

SOMERS, Wis. — Kenosha County’s popular “Picnic in the Park” celebration will return Saturday, Aug. 16, at Petrifying Springs Park, offering families a free evening of food, music, and entertainment, officials announced. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. on the south end of the park near the Biergarten and will conclude with a fireworks finale at dusk. Attractions include live performances by

Plus +

Silver Lake Man Indicted in Federal Court for Child Exploitation, Held Without Bond

Nelson C. Roberts-Smith, 30, of Silver Lake(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Silver Lake man is now facing federal charges of child sexual exploitation after a grand jury indicted him earlier this month in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Kenosha Teen Charged After High-Speed Chase Into Illinois; $50,000 Warrant Issued

Preston Wayne Gandy, 17, of Racine(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. – A Racine teen is facing serious felony charges after allegedly leading deputies on a dangerous, high-speed chase through Kenosha County and into Illinois earlier this week. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Plus +

Forgery Charge Filed After Woman Allegedly Cashes Fake Snap-on Check

Nicole Marie Montoya, 40, of Kenosha(Kenosha County Sheriff) KENOSHA, Wis. — A Kenosha woman is facing a felony forgery charge after allegedly cashing a counterfeit check from Snap-on for more than $1,400 at a local business earlier this month. You must be logged in to view the rest of this article.

Many New Faces at Kenosha DA’s Office as Solis Rebuilds Staff

KENOSHA, Wis. — Since taking office in January, District Attorney Xavier Solis has overseen a significant transformation within the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office, bringing in new prosecutors and charting a fresh course for the office’s future. Solis, sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025, has hired seven assistant district attorneys in his first seven months, with more expected to join soon. Two new

Deputy DA Drew Burgoyne to Leave Kenosha County DA’s Office in Late August

KENOSHA, Wis. — Deputy District Attorney Drew Burgoyne announced Thursday that he will leave the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office in late August, ending a 16-year career defined by legal excellence, moral conviction, and deep public service. In a farewell email to staff earlier today, Burgoyne expressed gratitude for his colleagues and began with a passage from Ecclesiastes 3:1–15: “To every thing there

Categories
Archives
Authors

Wake Up to What You Missed

Get notified of new articles. We'll never share your email address.