Missing East Aurora student had 'it' factor

Students and faculty at East Aurora High School are mourning a popular 18-year-old senior whose personality, they said, made him an easy guy to like.

Authorities said Ivan Echevarria and a friend were walking Thursday morning near Lake Michigan at Chicago's Diversey Harbor when a large wave swept Ivan into the frigid water around 11:30 a.m.

The Chicago Police Department's marine unit still was searching for Echevarria Friday in what authorities said was now being treated as a recovery mission.

East Aurora District 131 officials confirmed Friday that Echevarria was the victim and grief counselors were available to meet with his classmates.

"He had one of those personalities that attracted people," East Aurora staff member Kim Kereluik said in a statement. "He had that 'it' factor; he won people over."

School officials said Echevarria was interested in working in information technology or as a mechanic. He had met with counselor Brian Melvin a few weeks ago to talk about graduation and future goals.

"He was a quiet kid but very popular," Melvin said in a statement. "He was a normal high school kid who wanted to be successful. This is very sad that this happened."