A New Yorker known for having a “heart of gold” was killed in a horrific multi-boating accident on Lake Michigan late Thursday night that left 4 people seriously injured.
Joanna Gregory, 26, died when a boat overtook another vessel, causing a collision at about 11:30 p.m. near Chicago’s Monroe Harbor, said Jason Lash, deputy chief of the Chicago Fire Department’s Marine Dive Operations District. He told reporters Friday.
She died on Friday morning after being taken to hospital in serious condition.
Gregory, a pediatric occupational therapist originally from Rochester, New York, moved to the Windy City and recently started a new job in February, according to her LinkedIn profile.
“She had a heart of gold, and I don’t understand how someone so nice could be taken from us,” said her father, Douglas Gregory. Chicago Sun-Times.
The two boats involved in the fatal accident, a 38-foot vessel and a 42-foot vessel, were about 1.5 miles from Monroe Harbor, a popular docking spot in downtown Chicago. Officials said.
Lash said the three sailors who remained in critical condition were on the boat that was hit while the second ship was riding on top of the other.
Officials did not reveal which boat Gregory was a passenger on.
“It was a hard crash for sure,” Lash said.
Two people were thrown overboard from the force of the collision, but both passengers were rescued by other passengers before first responders arrived at the scene.
Investigators are investigating whether alcohol or drugs were involved and whether the lights of the boat that was struck were on at the time of the accident.
Lash said he did not believe weather and water conditions played a role in the fatal collision.
The ages of the boat passengers range between approximately 18 and 26 years.
“There are a lot of questions that we cannot answer until all investigations are completed,” Lash said.
Gregory, a graduate of Gannon University in Pennsylvania, was remembered as a Division II volleyball player.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joanna’s family, friends, former teammates, coaches and everyone who knew and loved her. She will always be remembered as a member of the Golden Knight family,” the Gannon University Athletics Department said.