Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating the death of a Gary man who was recovered from Lake Michigan yesterday evening after being reported missing.
At approximately 7:30 p.m., Lake County 911 received a call from Marquette Park Beach reporting a swimmer missing in the waters of Lake Michigan. First responders from multiple agencies immediately launched a search.
At about 8:05 p.m., the Lake County Sheriff's Aviation Unit located the missing individual, who appeared unresponsive in the water. Guided by the helicopter, first responders entered the water, recovered the victim, and brought him to shore. Lifesaving efforts were initiated, and the victim was transported to a local hospital.
The victim, identified as Jalen Robinson, 22, of Gary, was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Preliminary information indicates that Robinson and two friends had been swimming and jumping into the waves when they lost their footing and drifted into deeper water. The friends were able to make it back to shore, but Robinson did not resurface.
Agencies assisting in the response included the Gary Police Department, Gary Fire Department, Lake County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit, Lake County Sheriff's Department Dive Team, Lake County Coroner's Office, and a Regional Dive Team consisting of members from the Merrillville, Crown Point, Hobart, and Cedar Lake Fire Departments.