The bodies of a woman and two children found in Lake Michigan over the weekend have been identified.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the three people who died were 31-year-old Drake Patton and her children — 1-year-old daughter Jream Washington and 6-year-old son Wyatt Patton, according to CBS News, the Chicago Sun-Times, and NBC News. Autopsy results are still pending.
Jream was found around 11:23 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, near South DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, police said, according to NBC News, ABC7, and CBS News.
Drake and Wyatt were discovered about a mile away on East Hayes Drive around three hours later, per NBC News.
Chicago police are investigating the deaths. They have said the deaths appear to be connected and likely resulted “from a domestic dispute.” No arrests have been made.
On Tuesday, Sept. 16, family and friends held a balloon release at 57th Street Beach to honor the victims. The 1-year-old’s father, Brandon Washington, told CBS News that Patton “loved her kids” but faced mental health challenges.
“She had depression that she needed to be dealt with,” he said. “She was struggling as far as help—it was never a domestic, she loved her kids.”
Washington also said that Patton sent him worrying texts before the family was found dead. Another loved one added that the mother “couldn’t get the help she needed,” CBS News reported.
The discovery happened just hours before crews recovered the body of a missing swimmer from Lake Michigan the same day, according to ABC7.
Authorities were alerted to three men struggling in the water at 2611 Sheridan Road around 7 p.m. Two of the swimmers were rescued, but the third swimmer was found at around 9:40 p.m.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family and loved ones,” Evanston Fire Chief Paul Polep said in a statement, per ABC7. “This is a constant reminder that these waters are dangerous and people should follow the posted no swimming signs. We thank our regional partners, including MABAS Division 3, the Coast Guard, and the Chicago Fire Department, for their swift help.”
