PRESS RELEASE

At approximately 8:45 PM on 5/19/2019, Pope County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Illinois Bayou on SR 164 North on a report of a child swept downstream while swimming in the water. Pope County OEM Swift Water Rescue was notified and also responded along with other local responders to assist. Search efforts continued until approximately 2:30AM and then resumed again at around 8:30AM. Shortly after 10:00AM the 10 year old female victim was located by divers in the water and confirmed to be deceased. Sheriff Jones would like to thank all the responding agencies who assisted in the search effort. Please keep this family in your prayers during this tragic time.