Today at 7:45 a.m., Indiana Conservation Officer divers recovered the body of the missing 13-year-old from the waters of Lake Michigan. The juvenile’s body was located along the eastern side of the Michigan City Lighthouse Pier in roughly 11 feet of water.
Release as of June 23, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.
A multi-agency search effort is underway after a juvenile went missing yesterday afternoon in Lake Michigan.
At approximately 5:43 p.m., LaPorte County 911 received a report that a juvenile swimmer had gone missing near the Michigan City Lighthouse Pier. First responders arrived quickly and began searching the surrounding waters.
Search operations were complicated by hazardous lake conditions, including 4- to 6‑foot waves. At the time of the incident, the National Weather Service had issued both a Beach Hazard Statement and a Small Craft Advisory due to strong winds, waves, and dangerous rip currents.
During the course of the response, three divers from the Michigan City Fire Department sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Due to deteriorating lake conditions and darkness, the search has been suspended for the night. Recovery efforts will resume this morning as soon as conditions allow.
Assisting agencies included the Michigan City Police Department, Michigan City Fire Department, and the Long Beach Police Department.
To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.