Tragic Discovery: 12-Year-Old Christopher D. London Found dead in Vermilion River

Danville, IL – In a heart-wrenching development, Vermilion County Coroner Jane McFadden has confirmed the identity of the 12-year-old boy found deceased in the Vermilion River as Christopher D. London of Danville. The young boy was reported missing on Monday, July 15, and his body was discovered on Friday, July 19.

According to Coroner McFadden, the boy’s family has been notified of the tragic news. An autopsy conducted on Saturday, July 20, revealed no signs of foul play, but preliminary findings have yet to be released. The circumstances surrounding Christopher’s death remain under investigation.

The tragic incident occurred when Christopher was swimming with two friends near the Vermilion River. Reports indicate that he was swept away by a powerful current and submerged underwater. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, the search for Christopher was complicated by severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and storms, which hampered recovery efforts.

The search and rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies. The Danville Police Department (DPD), Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO), and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) worked tirelessly to locate the missing boy. The IDNR and VCSO’s Underwater Search and Rescue Teams played a critical role in the operation, demonstrating remarkable dedication and expertise under challenging conditions.

DPD Chief of Police Christopher Yates expressed deep gratitude for the collective efforts of the rescue teams, stating, “The collaborative efforts of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office’s Search and Rescue teams were essential in addressing a challenging and emotionally draining task. I commend their commitment, expertise, and hard work in completing this recovery mission. Despite the risks involved, they persevered to provide closure in the wake of this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family, friends, and the community.”

The community of Danville and surrounding areas have been deeply affected by the loss of young Christopher. This tragedy underscores the importance of safety precautions while swimming, particularly in challenging weather conditions. As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on providing support to the grieving family and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent similar incidents in the future.