Tragic Drowning Incident at Lighthouse Beach in Evanston

News Summary

A 17-year-old high school senior, Sameer Quadri, drowned at Lighthouse Beach in Evanston on Wednesday night amid hazardous swimming conditions. Emergency crews responded to a 911 call from a friend who noticed Quadri had gone under. Despite extensive search efforts, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Beach closures due to dangerous waters have since been enforced. This incident highlights the rising number of drownings in Lake Michigan, emphasizing the need for safety awareness when swimming.

Evanston – A tragic incident occurred at Lighthouse Beach on Wednesday night when Sameer Quadri, a 17-year-old senior at Niles North High School, drowned. The death highlights the severe risks associated with swimming in Lake Michigan, particularly when local beaches are closed due to hazardous conditions.

Emergency crews were dispatched to the beach after a 911 call was placed around 8:51 PM. The call came from one of Quadri’s friends, who noticed he had gone underwater and failed to resurface. Upon arrival, rescuers encountered dangerous conditions, which included three-to-five-foot waves and a closed beach with no lifeguards present.

The search efforts were extensive, involving a drone equipped with infrared technology, multiple rescue boats, and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. Around 9:27 PM, approximately 40 yards from the break wall, Quadri was found after 35 minutes of searching. He was given advanced life support on the beach before being transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that the cause of death was a drowning accident. In light of this event, the principal of Niles North High School informed families that grief support and counseling would be made available for students and staff coping with the loss. Sameer Quadri was also recognized on the school’s website as a player for the varsity basketball team, indicating his involvement in school activities.

Following the incident, Lighthouse Beach has remained closed to swimmers due to ongoing hazardous conditions in the water. At the time of the drowning, all Evanston beaches were operating under red flag conditions, and a Beach Hazard Statement was in effect, warning the public about the dangers present in the waters.

This incident adds to a concerning trend on Lake Michigan, where the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project reported 31 drowning incidents this year alone. As summer comes to an end, there is an increasing risk of drownings due to changing water conditions and rip currents. The organization has reiterated the importance of safety awareness when swimming under these conditions.

The drowning of Sameer Quadri serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with swimming during potentially dangerous conditions. Emergency responders urge the community to adhere to safety guidelines and be aware of the warnings when engaging in water activities.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• ABC7 Chicago: Evanston Water Rescue
• Fox 32 Chicago: Lake Michigan Drowning Rescue
• NBC Chicago: Man’s Body Recovered
• Wikipedia: Drowning
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning
• CBS News: Evanston Lighthouse Beach Search
• Evanston RoundTable: Man Who Rescued Swimmers Urges Caution