Authorities in Wood Dale, Illinois, are continuing their search for a man who went missing while swimming in the restricted waters of a suburban reservoir. The man, identified by relatives as Hipólito “Polo” Hernandez, a father of five, disappeared Tuesday evening under circumstances described by witnesses as chaotic and frightening. Recovery efforts have intensified as officials confirmed that the search has shifted from a rescue to a recovery operation.
The incident unfolded around 7 p.m. Tuesday when emergency crews from the Wood Dale Fire Protection District responded to reports of a swimmer in distress in the Wood Dale Itasca reservoir near North Wood Dale Road and School Street. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing the man calling out for help before the screams abruptly stopped. Victoria Ostasz, one of the witnesses, described hearing the man desperately yelling for the woman he was with to come inside, followed by a sudden silence that signaled something had gone terribly wrong. Another witness, Anastazja Chudy, recalled the chaotic scene, noting that both the woman and the mothers of those involved were running frantically as the situation unfolded.
Emergency crews arrived quickly, deploying divers and drones to scour the reservoir’s dangerous waters. Photos and videos from the scene showed a significant emergency response as authorities worked against time to locate the missing man. Despite the intense search, the efforts on Tuesday night did not yield any results. Crews searched until approximately 10 p.m. before halting operations for the night. The search resumed Wednesday morning as officials renewed their commitment to recovering Hernandez’s body.
Authorities have emphasized that swimming in the Wood Dale Itasca reservoir is strictly prohibited. The reservoir is designed for stormwater retention, collecting overflow from Salt Creek, and is not a safe environment for recreational activities. Neighbors have described the presence of “very powerful drains” in the water, which can create strong currents and dangerous conditions for anyone entering. Despite warning signs and restrictions, individuals occasionally attempt to swim in the reservoir, often underestimating the hazards.
Relatives of Hernandez believe that he was visiting his girlfriend at the time of the incident. They have expressed deep concern and heartbreak over the tragedy, emphasizing that he was a devoted father to five children. The family gathered near the search site, hoping for answers and closure as authorities continued their efforts to bring him home.
The search for Hernandez highlights the critical importance of adhering to safety regulations around reservoirs and other restricted bodies of water. Officials warn that these locations are not intended for swimming, as their infrastructure includes hidden dangers such as strong suction from drains, sudden depth changes, and currents that can quickly overpower even strong swimmers. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with ignoring posted warnings and entering areas not meant for public recreation.
As the search continues, the community remains on edge, awaiting updates from officials. Divers and specialized equipment have been deployed to maximize the chances of recovery, while drones provide aerial surveillance to aid in locating any signs of the missing man. The Wood Dale Fire Protection District has urged the public to stay clear of the area during recovery operations to allow crews to work efficiently and safely.
The loss of Hipólito “Polo” Hernandez has deeply impacted his family and the local community. Friends and neighbors describe him as a caring father and a loving individual whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void. The ongoing search efforts reflect not only the dedication of emergency responders but also the hope that the family will soon find closure.
With the search mission continuing into Wednesday and possibly beyond, the focus remains on ensuring a thorough recovery operation. Authorities are expected to release further details as they become available, keeping the community informed about developments. For now, the incident stands as both a personal tragedy and a cautionary tale, underscoring the hidden dangers of swimming in areas that are not meant for recreational use.
