Chicago-area family mourns David Meneou of Joliet, Jameson Meneou of Lockport, who drowned in Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes

PORTER COUNTY, Ind. (WLS) — A family from the suburbs is grieving following the deaths of two men from the Chicago area, a father and son, who drowned over the holiday weekend after being rescued from Lake Michigan at a beach in Northwest Indiana.

The drownings happened around 4:20 p.m. Saturday at Boaters Beach in Burns Harbor, Indiana, officials said.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

A good Samaritan pulled the two drowning men from the waters at Indiana Dunes National Park, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. They were then transported to a nearby hospital, where they were declared deceased.

The Porter County Coroner identified the individuals as 65-year-old David Meneou from Joliet, Illinois, and 20-year-old Jameson Meneou from Lockport, Illinois. The IDNR confirmed that they were father and son.

Chicago-area family grieves the loss of David Meneou from Joliet and Jameson Meneou from Lockport, who tragically drowned in Lake Michigan near Indiana Dunes

David’s brother told ABC7 that his nephew Jameson lived with autism. He also said that David was a loving father who dedicated his life to his son.

“Preliminary investigation reveals both were in the water when Jameson Meneou went into deep water and began to struggle,” a news release from the IDNR read in part. “David Meneou attempted to rescue his son but also began to struggle in the deep water.”

No further information was immediately available as authorities continue to investigate.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like

Ohio Circle K worker Kendrick Watson fired after shooting at masked robbers who rammed minivan into gas station

Ohio Circle K Worker Kendrick Watson Fired After Shooting at Robbers Who Rammed Store

An Ohio gas station employee says he lost his job after opening…
Nithya Raman inherits LA's $1B homelessness spending mess

Nithya Raman Faces Los Angeles’ $1 Billion Homelessness Spending Challenge

Los Angeles has committed more than $1 billion to addressing homelessness, yet…
American girl, 7, killed during Mexican cartel operation; mother blames police helicopter: report

American Girl, 7, Killed in Cartel Raid; Mother Blames Helicopter

A 7-year-old girl who held dual U.S. and Mexican citizenship was shot…
Quiet serial killers may hide in plain sight as DNA unmasks dead 1970s Pennsylvania strangler, expert says

DNA Identifies Dead 1970s Pennsylvania Strangler, Raising Fears of Hidden Serial Killers

A Pennsylvania man identified decades after two women were killed may not…
Iran-backed terror suspects plotted attack on US troops using vans packed with fuel, DOJ says

DOJ: Iran-Backed Suspects Plotted Fuel-Van Attack on US Troops

2 charged over alleged terror plot targeting RAF Fairford British prosecutors have…
Multiple dead after vehicle crashes into food stand near North Hollywood Metro station

Multiple Killed After Vehicle Crashes Into Food Stand Near North Hollywood Metro Station

Three people were killed and several others injured Tuesday night when a…
House Speaker Mike Johnson slams voters for making 'wrong choice,' predicts 'circus' after GOP's midterm drubbing

Mike Johnson Blames Voters for ‘Wrong Choice’ After GOP Midterm Losses, Predicts ‘Circus’

Lame-duck House Speaker Mike Johnson accused voters of making the “wrong choice”…
Feds bust boat smuggling 18 illegal migrants off California coast

Federal Agents Stop Boat Smuggling 18 Migrants Off California Coast

This is the shocking moment Border Patrol agents busted a boat smuggling…
Horrific e-bike battery fire destroys Oregon family home and kills beloved cat, shocking video shows

Oregon Family Home Destroyed in E-Bike Battery Fire; Beloved Cat Killed, Video Shows

A devastating e-bike battery explosion triggered a fast-moving fire that tore through…
FBI is ‘looking into’ Nvidia boss Jensen Huang’s affair with suspected Chinese spy, Trump says

Trump Says FBI Is Looking Into Nvidia CEO’s Alleged Spy Affair

President Trump said the FBI is investigating Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang after…
San Diego utility customers erupt over proposed $270-a-year rate hike

San Diego Utility Customers Protest Proposed $270 Annual Rate Hike

San Diego Gas & Electric customers are pushing back against a proposed…
NYC man accused of 3 Central Park rapes arrested at Miami Burger King

NYC Man Held in Miami Burger King Arrest Over 3 Central Park Rapes

A man wanted in connection with three sexual assaults in New York…