SAVANNA, Ill. — Authorities have confirmed that a man recovered from the Mississippi River earlier this week is 67-year-old David DeRicco of Port Barrington. His body was located Tuesday morning following a multi-day search that began after a boating accident on May 31.
According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), DeRicco was found around 9:30 a.m. on June 3 in the waters near Marquette Park, close to the town of Savanna. He had been reported missing following the incident, which triggered a widespread search and recovery operation that spanned several days and involved more than a dozen local and state agencies.
Efforts to locate DeRicco included boat patrols, sonar scanning, aerial searches, and volunteer assistance. The operation was coordinated by the Carroll County Emergency Management Agency, which expressed gratitude to all those involved. “Carroll County EMA extends its deepest condolences to DeRicco’s family and its sincere appreciation to all agencies and volunteers who contributed to the search efforts,” the agency said in a statement.
The boating accident occurred under unclear circumstances, and details surrounding the incident remain limited. The IDNR has launched an official investigation to determine what led to the accident and whether other factors may have contributed. No foul play is suspected at this time, according to officials familiar with the case.
David DeRicco was well-known in his Port Barrington community and loved spending time outdoors, particularly on the water. Friends and neighbors have shared messages of support for the family and fond memories of DeRicco as an adventurous, warm-hearted individual who enjoyed boating and nature.
As investigators continue to examine the events leading up to the accident, family members are preparing for funeral arrangements. The community has been encouraged to keep the DeRicco family in their thoughts during this time of mourning. More details from the IDNR’s investigation may be released in the coming days as the case develops.
