🌱 Cook Co. Man Drowns In Lake Michigan + Fatal Garfield Park Shooting

Good morning, everybody. I'm here with your Thursday edition of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's going on locally.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler with clearing. High: 78 Low: 62.

Here are the top three stories in Oak Park-River Forest today:

1. A Cook County man drowned in Lake Michigan on Tuesday. The 43-year-old Winnetka man jumped off a boat in order to help children who were struggling while tubing. His fellow boaters were able to pull him back on the boat after he went underwater and performed CPR, but he eventually died at the hospital. The children were wearing life jackets and survived. (FOX 32 Chicago)
2. A 24-year-old man has died after being shot multiple times early Wednesday morning in nearby Garfield Park. According to the Chicago police, a witness reported that the victim was crossing the street on South Lawndale Avenue around 12:15 a.m. when several assailants opened fire on him before fleeing the scene. Despite the efforts of officers and medical personnel who rushed him to Mount Sinai Hospital, the victim succumbed to his injuries. (Chicago Sun-Times)
3. Jose Alvarez, 67, was charged with multiple crimes, including two counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, following the fatal shooting of his wife and teenage daughter. The incident occurred early Monday morning when police responded to gunshots fired at a residence in the area. Sadly, 15-year-old Daniela Alvarez succumbed to a gunshot wound to her face at Mount Sinai Hospital, while her mother, 48-year-old Karina Gonzalez, was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot multiple times in the torso. Alvarez's 18-year-old son suffered an ankle injury but is in fair condition. (WGN TV Chicago)

These are the great local businesses who sponsor the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter. We love what they do, and we think you will, too:

• Have you or a loved one been a victim of sexual abuse? Attorney Tod M. Urban is a survivor of abuse himself who can help you understand your options. After 35 years as a prominent criminal defense attorney, Tod has focused his practice on helping others who have shared his experience. He’s compassionate and has deep expertise in navigating the legal complexities required to get justice and peace of mind. Visit here to learn more or call for conversation today.

• Ready to eat in Costa Rica without the pricey plane ticket? Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant is coming to Oak Park on Thursday, July 13th, and they’re bringing authentic Costa Rica cuisine right to your door. Enjoy a summer meal with the Irazu burrito, named one of the top 35 burritos in the US by The Daily Meal, or try their Fiesta Trays and Assorted Empanadas, for a variety of flavor. And the milkshakes? They’ll transport you to Costa Rica with one sip — no passport required. Order here by 3pm on Wednesday, July 12th.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in and around Oak Park-River Forest:

Thursday, July 6

• Stories In The Forest (Ages 0-6) At River Forest Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Open Playgroup At Oak Park Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Summer Concert Series: Saturday June Band At Oak Brook Park District, Oak Brook (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Rumor has it there are fairies – or, at least a fairy garden – at Chicago's Garfield Park Conservatory. Visit the new outdoor exhibit at the West Side greenhouse and see for yourself! (WBBM)
• Congratulations to the Cook County Sheriff’s Child Rescue Unit for being named the 2023 National Sheriffs’ Association Crime Victim Services Award recipient! (Cook County Sheriff's Office (Official) via Facebook)
• See how the Village's Sewer Backup Protection Grant Program can help you. Learn more about the program here. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Anime Midwest's Massive Annual Anime Festival (July 7)
• Heading to Ravinia? Pickup noshes from Manny's Deli at Vin this weekend! Order by Friday. (July 8)
• Tortas, Burritos, + More from Fan Favorite Irazu Costa Rican on Thursday. Order by Wednesday. (July 13)
• Mutt Strut Virtual 5k Run/Walk (July 14)
• Peruvian favorites from Tanta like ceviche and empanadas are heading to you. Order by Wednesday. (July 14)
• Add your event

For sale:

• All One Up and Live Savers on Patch (Details)
• Add your item

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.