Search continues for 20-year-old Chicagoan who went missing when boat capsized in Wisconsin River

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (WFRV) – The search is still ongoing for the 20-year-old Chicagoan who went missing after a boat capsized in the Wisconsin River on April 3, with one person escaping and another person being found dead a day later.

20-year-old Francesco L. Di Filippo is still missing amidst a search that has gone on for almost two weeks, while police found the body of his 75-year-old grandfather, Luis F. Di Filippo, in the Wisconsin River on April 4.

The Wisconsin Dells Police Department’s most recent update came around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, saying that Francesco has still not been found. The water level and discharge rate are slowly dropping; however, diver Juan Heredia and Bruce’s Legacy searched the River on Tuesday.

More volunteers and search groups are expected to join search efforts in the following days, but officials continue to urge extreme caution, especially for those unfamiliar with it. Conditions could change quickly, and those on the river should always be in a life jacket.

The current conditions are unsafe for a canoe or kayak, as the river is high and fast. Wisconsin Dells Police say that the search area shifted further south of the Indian Trails boat launch, and lots of water has yet to be covered.

The temperature also needs to rise for the search to have a higher success rate. As some of the area may be on private property, people must still ask landowners if they are to search on their property.

Anybody who may see something that could help is urged to contact officials immediately. Local 5 will continue to provide updates as more information on the search for Francesco becomes available.