Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Protection District was called for an extra alarm Diver’s Box about 1:15 p.m. after a crew member from US Aqua Vac of Colorado was reported to be trapped under water and out of air in the east pond of 1 Baxter Parkway North in Deerfield. Several area fire departments assisted the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Department as part of the mutual aid agreement for the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. Firefighter/divers were able to remove Michael Johnson and provide Advanced Life Support. Michael Johnson was airlifted to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, but was pronounced dead at 3:23 p.m. Tuesday.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office identified the man as Michael Johnson, 45, of Fountain, Colorado, who was a diver who worked for US Aqua Vac — contracted by Baxter to clean ponds on the property.
A co-worker attempted to rescue Johnson, but was unable to sustain his work due to hypothermia.
Lake County sheriff’s police are investigating the drowning, which is believed to be an accidental death.
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After investingating reports show that the company was practicing safe acts and the diver died of arteriosclerosis.
IL work site investor
It wasn’t arteriosclerosis. Michael was taken from us due to unsafe work practices. We only hope and pray that steps have been taken to assure safety of others in the diving community