Cause of death released for off-duty Chicago firefighter pulled from Lake Michigan

CHICAGO - The cause of death has been determined for Chicago Firefighter Wilbert Hayes who was pulled from Lake Michigan Sunday morning. 

Hayes was off-duty when he died while swimming in Lake Michigan with family, Chicago Fire Department officials say.

Chicago fire spokesperson Larry Langford said Hayes' death was confirmed by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as an accidental drowning. 

His death is considered an off-duty accidental death of an active-duty member. 

There will be a visitation on Wednesday, Aug 9 at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home followed by a service. 

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Hayes was 43. A woman identifying herself as his wife, LaToya Hayes, wrote on Facebook: 

"Thank you for your support and kindness during this difficult time. Wilbert was an exceptional husband, father, big brother & friend. He was full of life and was passionate about his family & change in the community. He was a dedicated worker not only with the Chicago Fire Department, but in the community as well. This is a devastating loss, and we ask that you keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you to our CFD family for your love and support. We ask for privacy during this difficult time."

Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt issued a statement Sunday afternoon saying the loss of any CFD member is a loss for the first responder community and the city as a whole.

Crews responded to the lake and located him underwater, but despite advanced care from paramedics and the medical team at the University of Chicago Medical Center, the victim was pronounced dead.

"While this incident did occur off duty after his shift, we are conducting a full investigation to determine the status of this tragic loss," Nance-Holt said.

CFD said he had been on the job since 2009.