Body of Missing Chicago Boater Found After 3-Month Wisconsin River Search
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. 29 June 2025— Three months after a spring break boat trip turned deadly, the Wisconsin River surrendered its final secret Sunday: the body of 20-year-old Francesco “Frank” Di Filippo, discovered just miles from where raging currents claimed his grandfather’s life last April. For 87 agonizing days, Frank’s family had prayed for this moment—not for miracles, but for closure.
The Trip That Ended in Tragedy
On April 3, Frank, his 75-year-old grandfather Luis Di Filippo, and family friend Giovanni Mills launched their boat near Kilbourn Dam during flood-stage conditions. Within minutes, churning waters capsized their vessel. Mills fought his way to shore, but Luis—a seasoned boater—drowned instantly. Rescue crews recovered his body the next day. Frank vanished without a trace .
“The river was furious that week,” recalled Wisconsin Dells Police Chief Nicholas Brinker. “Water levels ran 40% higher than normal. They never stood a chance”.
The Relentless Search
Bruce’s Legacy, a nonprofit specializing in water recoveries, led the grueling mission alongside local agencies. Volunteers combed 12 miles of river choked with debris as temperatures swung from freezing to sweltering.
“The Wisconsin River is a graveyard for missing persons,” said recovery expert Keith Cormican. “Currents shift bodies into logjams. One day you search a spot and find nothing. A week later, they surface there”
Frank’s mother, Lina Schultz, maintained vigil at riverbanks for weeks. “Bring my son home,” she pleaded publicly in May. “He deserves peace”.
Bittersweet Discovery
At 2:13 p.m. Sunday, a kayaker spotted clothing near Newport Beach—less than 3 miles downstream from the accident. Lake Delton Police confirmed the heart-wrenching truth: It was Frank, identified by personal effects his family had described months earlier .
“While tragic, we hope this ends the nightmare for the Di Filippos,” Chief Brinker told reporters, his voice thick with emotion. “Three months is an eternity for a family to wait”.
“Family Always Came First”
Luis Di Filippo, a retired Chicago mechanic, had dreamed of this spring break trip for months. “He lived for his grandsons,” said his wife of 48 years, Maria. “Teaching Frank to boat was his greatest joy” .
Friends described Frank as a selfless protector who postponed college to help his mother during her cancer treatment. “He’d drop everything if you needed him,” childhood friend Mateo Ruiz shared. “That’s why he was on that boat—looking out for his grandpa”.
A Water Safety Crisis Exposed
The tragedy exposes alarming gaps in river safety:
- No Warning Systems: Luis launched unaware of dangerous currents; Wisconsin lacks real-time alerts for recreational boaters .
- Drowning Epidemic: The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project reports 65 water deaths in 2025—up 22% from last year. Lake Michigan alone averages 55 drownings annually .
- Lifeguard Shortages: Communities like South Haven, Michigan, scrapped beach patrols due to $600,000+ costs despite rising incidents .
“People underestimate moving water,” warned Cormican. “This river kills even strong swimmers in minutes”.
A Family’s Long Road Ahead
The Di Filippos will hold a joint funeral this week. In lieu of flowers, they’ve requested donations to Bruce’s Legacy—the team that never gave up on Frank.
“Thank you for bringing our boy home,” Schultz wrote in a statement. “Now we learn to live with two empty chairs at the table”.