The body of a Lake Forest boater who went missing last month has been located in Pentwater, Michigan, authorities said.
Michigan State Police reported Nov. 8 finding a body on the shore near Pentwater, MI, approximately 125 miles from Lake Forest. MSP later sent out a social media posting sending condolences to the family “of a missing boater from Illinois.”
Lake Forest Police Chief John Burke confirmed the body was that of Christian Mattis, 43, who fell into Lake Michigan on Oct. 13 after taking his catamaran out from Lake Forest Beach.
Local officials including the U.S. Coast Guard searched for Mattis in Lake Michigan. The sailboat was subsequently found and his cell phone pinged, but authorities were unable to find him. He was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the incident, authorities said.
An online obituary read that Mattis, a native of Germany, was born in the Czech Republic and graduated from the University of Giessen later to have a “successful career in finance.”
“He was known for his thoughtful nature, kindness, sense of humor, and love for his family and the outdoors. Christian embraced life to the fullest, cherishing every moment with those he loved,” the obituary noted, adding he was married with two children.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
