A sad ending has been reported to an incident at Lions Park Beach in St. Joseph late last Sunday afternoon. One of two Illinois women rescued from high waves and strong winds on Lake Michigan died at mid-week at Spectrum Health Lakeland.
Steve Nuebecker, Director of the St. Joseph Department of Public Safety has updated the story we first reported earlier this week regarding the incident around 4:39 Sunday afternoon, telling us that 32 year old Danely Lopez of Illinois passed away in the local hospital on Wednesday, July 15th, a victim of drowning.
Lopez and her 29 year old sister, who was not identified by authorities, were in the water at Lions Park Beach, when they got into deep water and struggled to get out. Several bystanders observed the incident and assisted. Both women were taken to Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joe where the unidentified sister was treated and released, while Danely was admitted in critical condition.
The Berrien County Sheriff Department and Medic 1 Ambulance assisted the St. Joseph Department of Public Safety on the scene.