An Illinois mother has died after jumping into a river to save her 7-year-old son in a heartbreaking family tragedy.
Angelina Khalimendik, 31, of Hinsdale, entered the Des Plaines River at Independence Grove Forest Preserve near North Bay around 7 p.m. Sunday after her young son got into trouble in the water.
Khalimendik managed to help the boy reach another family member, but she was then pulled underwater herself.
People nearby and a member of her family rushed to help and eventually pulled her from the river before first responders arrived.
CPR was performed at the scene, but authorities said Khalimendik had already taken in too much water.
She was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office later said examination findings were consistent with drowning.
Khalimendik leaves behind her husband and three children — an 11-year-old daughter, a 9-year-old son and the 7-year-old boy she had jumped into the river to save.
Her husband told CBS Chicago that Khalimendik had taken the children fishing while he was out of town when the tragedy unfolded.
He returned to the area with the children Monday so they could show him where the accident happened.
Lake County Forest Preserves Police Chief Ron Davis called the death a devastating tragedy.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death in the Des Plaines River near Libertyville on Sunday evening,” Davis said. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Officials said conditions in the river may have been especially dangerous following severe storms and heavy rainfall in the area.
Davis said the region had experienced “very torrential rains” over roughly the previous week to week and a half, causing waterways to rise and potentially filling them with hidden hazards.
The rushing water can carry fallen trees, branches, rocks and other debris beneath the surface, creating dangerous conditions even for people who are comfortable around water.
Authorities said there was no indication that anything criminal had occurred.
“There’s nothing to indicate this was anything more than a tragic accident,” Davis said.
The police chief also warned the public about what to do if they are unexpectedly swept into fast-moving water.
He advised people to remain calm, roll onto their backs if possible and use their arms and feet to protect themselves from rocks, branches and other debris. They should then try to maneuver toward the shoreline or a position where rescuers can safely reach them.
The investigation into Khalimendik’s death remains ongoing.
Lake County Forest Preserves Police and the Lake County Coroner’s Office were continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
