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Body found in Lake Michigan is missing East Aurora High student

A body found in Lake Michigan was identified Tuesday as the 18-year-old East Aurora High School student who was swept into the lake in February, authorities said.

An autopsy performed Tuesday determined Ivan Echevarria died of accidental drowning, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

The Chicago Police Department's marine unit recovered his body about 7:45 a.m. Monday from Lake Michigan near Fullerton Avenue.

That location is near where Echevarria fell into the water the morning of Feb. 25 as he was walking with a friend. Divers searched the lake off and on that day, but choppy waters postponed the search and eventually led to crews conducting a recovery operation.

Echevarria was the youngest of four siblings and passionate about cars and computers, officials at East Aurora High School said.

"He had one of those personalities that attracted people," staff member Kim Kereluik said in a statement Feb. 26. "He had that 'it' factor."

Missing East Aurora student had 'it' factor

  Flags fly at half-staff in February at East Aurora High School in honor of student Ivan Echevarria, who was swept into Lake Michigan. Bev Horne/bhorne@dailyherald.com
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