A tragic incident unfolded on the Wisconsin River as a 20-year-old man, Francesco Di Filippo, and his 75-year-old grandfather went missing after their boat capsized. The search for Francesco ended almost three months later when his body was found on June 29. The Wisconsin Dells Police Department confirmed the recovery of his remains, bringing some closure to the grieving family. The young man’s girlfriend expressed her heartache back in April during the search, stating that their life together was supposed to begin this year.
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The discovery of Francesco’s body came after an extensive search effort that began on April 3 when authorities received a report of the capsized boat with three individuals on board. While one person managed to swim to safety, the two others were missing. The treacherous conditions of the river, including high water flow and fast-moving currents, hindered the initial search and recovery operations. The body of Luis F. Di Filippo, Francesco’s grandfather, was found the following day, but Francesco remained missing.
Authorities employed various resources such as sonar-equipped boats, aerial drones, and underwater drones to aid in the search due to the challenging conditions posed by the river. The police continued their search efforts, highlighting the dangerous environment that impeded their progress. Despite the obstacles faced, the dedication of the search and rescue teams remained unwavering as they strived to locate Francesco.
Family members revealed that Luis, an experienced boatsman, had taken his grandsons out for an excursion, unaware of the high water levels. Francesco’s mother, Lina Schultz, expressed her despair over the situation, emphasising the longing to have her son returned to her one last time. Francesco’s girlfriend, Shay Zuelke, shared the impact of his loss, describing him as her everything and highlighting their plans for the future that were abruptly disrupted by this tragedy.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the importance of water safety measures, particularly during activities such as boating. The recovery of Francesco’s body, while a heartbreaking conclusion to the search, offers his loved ones a sense of closure as they come to terms with their loss. The community’s thoughts and prayers are with the Di Filippo/Schultz family during this difficult time as they mourn the untimely passing of their beloved son and grandson.