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September 24, 2008

Oak Park Police Inform the father that his son is alive and safe.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photo
Oak Park & River Forest High School Student Threatens Suicide and Flees Oak Park for the Forest Preserves.
by Ed Vincent

There was an altercation yesterday that was leading to potential
action at Oak Park and River Forest High School against a 16 year old male student. It has been noted that the young man
became upset at the idea of being disciplined at the school for
the occurance. He left the school today early, and when it was
noticed he was not in his classes the family was contacted.

The father left his work and returned to their home, where he
found a disturbing note on the computer that was left by his son. The contents were not disclosed, but it was rumored by sources that a despondent young man may have headed off somewhere to do himself injury.

Authorities were notified and a search began for the missing youth with unknown intentions, but potentially disastrous consequences.

Squads, Ambulances, Detectives, Commanders, Deputy Chiefs, all came out to help and hope for the best.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos

The next few hours were tense and dramatic, as neighboring
communities lent their police departments to help manage traffic to the forest preserves where the young man's bicycle
was found.

Bloodhounds were brought in from the Cook County Sheriff's Department to assist in the ground search. Helicopters were called to help search from the air. Fire and police began a
walk through the forest, near Trailside museum in River Forest.

Oak Park and River Forest professionals gather to discuss
items from the events.
© Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc. photos

Men, and young men have a relatively high rate of success
when attempting to take their own lives, that was a given.
Divers were requested for the river, boats were summoned
to assist in the efforts by the swollen banks. Some of the
searchers felt some initial hope when they noticed the young
man had locked his bicycle. The locked bicycle was felt
to mean that the youth had not abandoned all hope, or why
would he bother to lock his bike?

At 3:19 p.m. the call came out on the police radio to call off
the boats. Many had feared the worst, but in a moment it
was known that the young man had been found, and he was
safe. His father was thrilled, the police and fire personnel
were pleased, and the reporters all got a good end to a possible
tragedy.

Some observers wondered why all the fuss? Would this effort
be given to any kid? What happened? Who was the kid?
Many questions will take sometime to answer, but tonight there is one more living kid with us all, who has a life ahead of him,
and a family with another chance at tomorrow.

We wish the family well, and the young man a bright future.
Thanks to all the spirited efforts of the all the towns involved.