CHICAGO (WLS) — A sudden, violent storm tore across Geneva Lake on Friday, bringing wind gusts of up to 90 mph, killing three children and triggering a series of water rescues. Among those who helped were two Chicago brothers, who pulled a father and his teenage daughter from the lake after they were caught in the dangerous conditions.
Dan and Patrick Hodgman were on the east end of Geneva Lake in their heavy, wooden 26-foot boat when the storm moved in. Officials said the powerful winds were caused by a downburst. Just minutes earlier, the lake’s Water Safety Patrol had alerted boaters to the approaching danger using red flags and warning lights.
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Dan Hodgman said he first noticed the skies changing and realized a storm was likely on the way. Moments later, he said, the lake was hit by blinding rain and winds stronger than anything he had ever experienced there.
As the weather worsened, Dan concentrated on keeping control of the boat while battling intense wind and churning waves.
He said waves were crashing over the boat’s windshield, forcing him to keep the vessel pointed into the wind and the bow lifted as much as possible.
Though the worst of the storm passed within minutes, the danger on the water was far from over. The brothers soon noticed people struggling nearby.
Patrick Hodgman said he suddenly caught sight of two heads bobbing in the water.
The pair turned out to be a father and his teenage daughter, who had been aboard another boat when the storm struck.
“He turned the boats towards them. We got life jackets, throwable floaters out to them, and we were able to pull them into the boat,” Patrick said.
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The Hodgmans said they also saw other people nearby being pulled from the water by fellow boaters.
Not everyone could be saved. Authorities said three children ages 6, 7, and 10 were found dead inside a capsized boat after emergency responders rushed to the scene.
“There was just an overwhelming sense of sadness for what those families were going through,” emergency responder Jeff Steingart said.
Community Unit School District 200 in Wheaton confirmed that at least two of the children were students in the district.
In a statement, the district said, “…our deepest condolences are with the family and friends of the children…” The district also wrote, “We ask that you join us in supporting these families.”
Authorities said the operator of the children’s capsized vessel had extensive boating experience and, like the Hodgmans, had tried to point the boat into the wind.
“Don’t jump to conclusions is the biggest thing,” Dan Hodgman said. “Everyone did everything they thought was right.”
The Hodgmans said they have spent decades boating on Geneva Lake and have taught boating safety. They said it has been heartening to see the boating community come together in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The video in the player above is from a previous report.
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