Jasper County, IL — On Saturday, June 28, 2025, at approximately 5:10 P.M., Jasper County 911 Dispatch received a distress call reporting the possible drowning of multiple individuals in the Embarras River northwest of Ste. Marie.
Jasper County First Responders were immediately dispatched to the scene, initiating an extensive search and rescue operation. Despite the swift and coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, the bodies of three individuals were recovered from the water. Emergency crews cleared the scene at approximately 11:37 P.M.
This tragic event brought together a wide network of emergency personnel and support teams. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the following agencies for their critical assistance during the response:
- Jasper County 911 Dispatch
- Crawford County Rescue
- Vincennes Township Fire Department
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- Wade Fire Department
- Jasper County Ambulance Service
- Jasper County EMA
- Oblong Fire Department
- Crooked Creek Fire Department
- Dieterich Fire Department
- Greenup Ambulance Service
- Jasper County Coroner
- Montrose Fire Department
- Newton Police Department
- Robinson Fire Department
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department would also like to thank the Ste. Marie Gas Station for their generous donation of food and drinks for those involved in the search efforts.
Photos provided
