Angelina Khalimendik, a 31-year-old Hinsdale mother of three, drowned Sunday, Aug. 16, in the Des Plaines River after pulling her 7-year-old son to safety at Independence Grove Forest Preserve near Libertyville.

Khalimendik had taken her children fishing at the preserve when her son was swimming in the river around 7 p.m., according to the Chicago Tribune. She went into the water to help the boy reach another family member. After getting him to safety, she went underwater.

A family member and bystanders pulled Khalimendik from the river and performed CPR, but she had already taken in too much water. Lake County Forest Preserve Police and the Libertyville Fire Department responded to the scene. Khalimendik was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

An autopsy conducted Monday, Aug. 17, confirmed her death was consistent with drowning, according to the Lake County Coroner's Office.

Weeks of rain made the river dangerous

Lake County Forest Preserves Police Chief Ronald Davis told ABC7 Chicago that weeks of heavy rain created dangerous conditions in the Des Plaines River.

"We've had some very torrential rains the past week, week and a half. So these bodies of water are flooded with not only extra water but debris, fallen trees, branches, rocks, other things that are under the surface," Davis said.

Davis urged people to stay out of swollen waterways entirely. For anyone swept into a current, he advised rolling onto your back, using arms and feet to push away from debris, and working toward the shoreline where others can help.

The warning carries weight for Hinsdale families. Independence Grove sits about 35 miles north of the village and draws visitors from across the suburbs. The summer's severe weather pattern has left waterways across the region swollen and unpredictable. Closer to home, the Hinsdale Fire Department responded to 43 emergency calls during a July 29 storm that dumped nearly 3 inches of rain on the village.

A family in mourning

Khalimendik leaves behind her husband, an 11-year-old daughter, a 9-year-old son and the 7-year-old boy she saved. Her husband, who was out of town for work when the incident occurred, declined an on-camera interview but told reporters he wanted her remembered for the care and dedication she showed her children, ABC7 reported.

The family returned to the preserve Monday. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family.

Davis said there was nothing to indicate the drowning was anything other than a tragic accident. The incident remains under investigation by the Lake County Forest Preserve Police and the Lake County Coroner's Office.

Hinsdale public safety note

Lake County Forest Preserves has not issued a formal water safety closure or advisory for Independence Grove as of Aug. 18. Residents planning visits to regional forest preserves should check conditions before entering any waterway.