CHICAGO, IL — Chicago police are launching a death investigation after a 20-year-old woman was found unresponsive in the Chicago River on Sunday morning. The discovery has rattled the local community on the border of the Pilsen and South Loop neighborhoods.
The Discovery on South Grove Street
The incident began around 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, when a bystander noticed an object in the water and alerted authorities. Police and emergency crews responded to the 2200 block of South Grove Street, a stretch of the riverfront known for its industrial sites and proximity to residential developments.
The Chicago Police Department’s Marine Unit arrived shortly after and recovered the body of a young woman from the water. Despite the efforts of first responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Victim Identified
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has since identified the woman as Maria Jose Casas Fabela, 20.
As of Monday, the Medical Examiner has not yet released the official cause or manner of death. The Chicago Police Department has not stated whether they suspect foul play, though detectives are currently treating the case as an active death investigation.
Community Concerns in the South Loop and Pilsen
The 2200 block of South Grove Street sits in a transitional area between the historic Pilsen neighborhood and the growing South Loop. Residents in the area have expressed concern over the discovery, as the riverfront in this section is often used by locals for various activities.
Ongoing Investigation
Currently, no suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made. Chicago Police detectives are scouring the area for any potential surveillance footage from nearby businesses that might explain how Fabela entered the water.
This is a developing story, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Do you have information? If you were in the vicinity of the 2200 block of South Grove Street on Saturday night or Sunday morning and saw anything unusual, please contact Chicago Police Area Detectives.
