Overview
- The body of 25-year-old Taylor Russell of Hanover Park was recovered near the Great Western Trail Bridge at 6 a.m. on July 31 and positively identified by the Kane County Coroner’s Office.
- A nearly 20-hour search by over two dozen fire departments, dive teams, sonar scanners and drones transitioned from rescue to recovery before Russell’s body was located.
- Illinois DNR Conservation Police and the Kane County Coroner’s Office have taken over the investigation into the circumstances of the July 29 incident.
- Investigators have contacted the operator of the passing boat to determine whether its wake or direct contact caused the kayak to capsize.
- Divergent statements from officials and a close friend leave unresolved questions about whether the kayaker was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.