CHICAGO — A man's body was pulled from a Northwest Side lagoon Friday afternoon, authorities said.
The man, whose age was unknown, was found in the water in Riis Park in the 6200 block of West Fullerton Avenue about 4:25 p.m., said Officer Hector Alfaro, police spokesman.
Crowds gathered on the hot summer night to watch as detectives worked the scene. A squad car shielded a black body bag from view of children playing nearby.
One man sitting just outside the police tape said he called 911 after spotting a "floating head."
"When I was fishing, I seen a body," said Stefon, who declined to give his last name. "I seen a head. Next thing I knew, he was dead."
Stefon said he lives nearby and frequently goes fishing in the lagoon. He said he did not know what may have happened to the man, but said it was shocking experience.
"I was like, 'What the hell?'" Stefon said, struggling to find words. "It's crazy."
Other nearby residents said they came to the park when they heard news the body was found. One woman, who declined to be named, said she found out through Facebook. She said she commonly sees men drinking by the lagoon when she comes to the park.
Stefon and others said the man was naked when he was pulled from the water. A pile of clothes could be seen at the northern edge of the lagoon.
The case was being pursued as a death investigation, police said.
