Authorities at Rock Cut State Park in Winnebago County, Illinois, conducted a search on Saturday for a missing 31-year-old man, leading to the evacuation of the park’s visitors. The search, which began early in the morning, involved Illinois Conservation Police and local authorities, who used a K9 unit to search on land. Around 3 p.m., the authorities had reason to believe the missing man may be in Pierce Lake, prompting the evacuation of the park’s 3,000-acre area.
Visitors like Barbara Reed, who was camping at the park, were surprised by the sudden evacuation but understood the necessity of the authorities’ actions. The missing man, whose identity remains unknown, had not been seen for nearly 24 hours at the time of the search. Dive teams from local agencies were also involved in the search, with police tape surrounding items like an orange kayak and a water-soaked life jacket.
As the search transitioned into a recovery effort, Illinois State Police were brought in to assist. The park remained closed until further notice, with no information on whether campers would be allowed to stay. The situation was concerning for visitors who frequent the park for its peaceful atmosphere, like Trish Riter, who emphasized the importance of water safety and life jackets in light of the incident.
Overall, the incident at Rock Cut State Park highlighted the potential dangers of water activities and the importance of safety measures. The community expressed sadness and concern for the missing man and his loved ones, while authorities continued their efforts in the search and recovery operation.
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