Chicago boater dies, another missing in Wisconsin River, police say
Chicago boater dies, another missing in Wisconsin River, police say
One boater from Chicago died, and another is still missing after going out onto the Wisconsin River and their vessel capsizing amid what officials called "volatile" water conditions last Thursday.
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wisc. - One boater from Chicago died, and another is still missing after going out onto the Wisconsin River and their vessel capsizing amid what officials called "volatile" water conditions last Thursday.
Boat capsizes in Wisconsin River
What we know:
Authorities learned the board had capsized late Thursday afternoon on the river near the Kilbourn Dam with three individuals onboard, according to the Wisconsin Dells police.
One of the individuals was able to swim safely to shore.
Several local agencies assisted with the search for the other two boaters.
On Friday, the body of one of the boaters was found in the river and recovered. On Saturday, he was identified as Luis F. Di Filippo, 75, of Chicago, according to police.
The second boater, who remained missing as of Saturday, was identified as Francesco L. Di Fillippo, 20, also of Chicago, police said.
Francesco L. Di Fillippo, 20, of Chicago, was identified as the boater who went missing in the Wisconsin River on April 3, 2025. (Wisconsin Dells Police Department)
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources continued the search for Francesco over the weekend with shoreline searches and other areas down river.
Underwater searches had to be suspended because of the water conditions, with discharge rates more than double the usual, police said.
What they're saying:
Family members described Luis, a seasoned boater, as simply wanting to enjoy spring break with his grandsons.
"I don't think he knew the water levels were so high," said Lina Schultz about her father, Luis.
Her son, Franco, is still missing.
"Life will never be the same without him," Schultz said. "He was the most caring 20-year-old you ever came across. He never said no. Family always came first."
Giovanni Mills, who was also on the boat, said the vessel began to spin and take on water before capsizing. Mills swam to shore, while Luis's body resurfaced the next day.
Franco, a second-year student at Wright College, has not been found.
Family members said Luis, who was married to his wife Sandra for 48 years, leaves behind three children and four grandchildren.
The family expressed gratitude for the community's support and the efforts of search crews.
What you can do:
Anyone on the river who spots anything suspicious is asked to contact the Wisconsin Dells Police Department at 608-253-1611 and press "2" to be connected with the Columbia County Dispatch Center.