Authorities in Winnebago County, Illinois have initiated a search for a missing 31-year-old man at Rock Cut State Park. The search began on the morning of July 27, with local and state authorities, including a K9 unit, searching for the individual on land. In the afternoon, Illinois Conservation Police Sergeant Audrey Hoftender indicated that there was reason to believe the missing person may be in Pierce Lake, prompting the search efforts to shift to the water.
As the investigation remains ongoing, authorities have not released any information regarding the missing person’s identity. The park was evacuated starting at 4 p.m. and remains closed until further notice, with no details available about whether campers can stay in the area. Police tape surrounded an orange kayak and water-soaked life jacket at the scene, with dive teams from the Rockford Fire Department and other local agencies assisting in the search near the lake’s fishing pier.
The closure of Rock Cut State Park for the investigation has disrupted activities for hikers and paddlers who were visiting the park on Saturday. The search for the missing individual has become a priority for the Illinois Conservation Police, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Copyright 2024 WIFR.
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