A tragic accident on Lake Michigan claimed the lives of a father and son during what began as a simple game of catch. The incident occurred over the Fourth of July weekend, leaving a family and community in mourning.
The victims were identified as 65-year-old David Meneou from Joliet, Illinois, and his 20-year-old son, Jameson Meneou from Lockport, Illinois. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources released details of the heartbreaking event.
Reports indicate that emergency services were dispatched to the scene near Dune Acres following a call reporting two men in need of rescue from the water. According to the press release, a Good Samaritan had already pulled the two men from the lake by the time conservation officers arrived.
Conservation officers and National Park Rangers transported the men to the Port of Indiana while performing CPR in a desperate attempt to revive them. Sadly, both men were later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Daniel Meneou, David’s brother, shared his grief and recounted the events leading up to the tragedy. He explained that Jameson encountered difficulties while swimming. The pair had been enjoying time on Lake Michigan, their boat anchored to a sandbar.
While engaged in a game of catch, the ball went into the water, prompting Jameson to go after it. It was at this point that Jameson began to struggle, and his father immediately dove in to try and save him.
"Jamie was his life," Daniel Meneou said, referring to his brother's deep affection for his son. "Of course, my brother was going to try to save his son." He remembered David as a driven and energetic person, and described Jameson as a bright and intelligent young man.
Despite the efforts of a witness who pulled them from the water and the subsequent CPR administered for approximately thirty minutes, neither man could be revived.
Jameson’s mother, Candace Keller Meneou, revealed that the father and son were engaged in their favorite pastime together just before the tragic event. “Playing catch with his dad was his favorite thing to do,” she stated.
Keller Meneou, who co-parented Jameson with David, emphasized the strong bond between them. Jameson had autism, and the 75-year-old from Joliet understood how devoted David was to his son. "David really loved his son," Keller said.
While Jameson was reportedly a capable swimmer, it appears he may have underestimated the conditions and entered unsafe waters, leading to his struggle.
Sadly, this incident highlights the dangers of Lake Michigan. Data from the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project indicates a concerning number of drownings in the lake. This summer alone, 17 people have drowned in Lake Michigan. Typically, the lake claims around 50 lives each summer.
The loss of David and Jameson Meneou serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Great Lakes and the importance of water safety. Their memory will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of their loved ones and the community they touched.
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