Crime & Safety
Body of Third Boater Pulled from Cal-Sag Channel
The victim is the third found following a crash between a pleasure boat and a barge Friday night.
A third body has now been pulled from the Cal-Sag Channel, following a weekend crash between a pleasure boat and a commercial vessel, NBC is reporting.
The body of Bob Bielarz, 39, of Orland Park, was found around 10 a.m. Monday, Sun-Times Media reports.
Two others died after a pleasure boat and a barge collided on the Cal-Sag Channel near Palos Heights Friday night. Jeremy Muzika, 33, and Viengsavnh Bielarz, 40, were also pulled from the water Saturday afternoon. Neither was wearing a life jacket, the U.S. Coast Guard told media.
Find out what's happening in Paloswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Officials said at least three people were on board the boat at the time of the collision, but said there may have been two others.
Muzika and Bielarz suffered multiple injuries and died of drowning after the boat in which they were riding hit a 66-foot barge, according to autopsy results. Their deaths were ruled accidental.
Find out what's happening in Paloswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“The decision to shift from search-and-rescue to recovery is one of the most difficult decisions imaginable,” said Capt. Amy Cocanour, commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of everyone involved.”
The crash is under investigation.
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