Man, 64, dead after vehicle found submerged in south suburban retention pond: officials

RICHTON PARK, Ill. – A 64-year-old man has died after his vehicle was found completely submerged in a retention pond in the southern suburbs.

The Richton Park Fire Department was called to a vehicle in the water in the 22800 block of Richton Square Road Saturday morning.

When emergency responders arrived, they discovered the vehicle was completely submerged. Firefighters used water rescue equipment and certified divers to locate the man, officials said.

The man’s body was recovered from the water and taken to an area medical facility in serious condition, the fire department said. He was pronounced dead a short time later.

Two firefighters and a police officer were also sent to local medical facilities as a precaution, officials said.

The Cook County coroner identified the man as Al Copeland of Richton Park.

Fire officials remind community members that as the seasons change, roads can become “increasingly slick with rain and snow” and advise extra caution when traveling.

We will post further updates on this story as they become available.