North Maine Fire Department responded about 6:59 a.m. Saturday to a report of a drowning victim at 9386 Bay Colony Drive. Emergency responders received a report that a man and a dog were in a boat when the dog jumped into the water, and a man jumped into the pond after the dog. A citizen spotter helped rescuers locate where the man went under the surface on the south side of the pond.
Divers and firefighters from Glenview, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Long Grove and Northbrook with sidescan sonar equipment responded to the scene. Wilmette also responded with a sonar tech.
The male victim, identified as Anthony Hensley, 37, was recovered from the pond at about 7:49 a.m. and transported with advanced life support, including CPR, by Niles firefighter/paramedics to Lutheran General Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 8:16 a.m. Saturday.
A memorial fund has been established in Anthony Hensley’s name. Hensley was a married father of two. Donations can be sent to Amy Hensley, c/o Steuerle Funeral Home, 350 S. Ardmore Ave. Villa Park, IL 60181.
Anthony Hensley of Villa Park was apparently working for a Goose Control company, and was working on geese removal at the Bay Colony pond. Investigators suspect that a swan or a group of swans attacked Hensley when his kayak moved too close to their nest. At least one witness came forward later and reported that a swan attacked Hensley. Family members and witness at the condominium complex are speculating that Hensley did not want to injure the swan, and became endangered before he realized the threat to himself. Swans are known to be very aggressive in defense of their territory, especially during breeding season. Breeding season is early spring, and incubation period for eggs is reported by multiple sources ranging 33-42 days. Swans attack by hissing, pecking, and striking people with their wings.
It is also possible Hensley may have been concerned with obeying Federal laws that protect birds.
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