Man Rescued from Chicago River After Bridge Fall

Tour boat crew pulls unresponsive man from water, passengers perform CPR until he regains consciousness.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A man fell from the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge in downtown Chicago into the Chicago River on Friday around 11:30 a.m. A Wendella tour boat crew rescued the unresponsive man from the water, and passengers on the boat performed CPR until he regained consciousness. The man was then transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, though his current condition is unknown.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of quick emergency response and bystander intervention in potentially life-threatening situations. The actions of the tour boat crew and passengers likely saved the man's life after his fall from the bridge.

The details

According to authorities, the man fell from the Michigan Avenue (DuSable) Bridge into the Chicago River around 11:30 a.m. on Friday. A Wendella tour boat crew was able to pull the unresponsive man from the water. Passengers on the boat then performed CPR until the man regained consciousness. The Chicago Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the man to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, though his current condition has not been released.

  • The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • The man was rescued from the Chicago River by the Wendella tour boat crew.

The players

Wendella Boat Tours

A tour boat company that operates on the Chicago River and provides sightseeing tours of the city.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must commend the quick actions of our crew and passengers who worked together to rescue this individual and provide life-saving assistance.”

— Wendella Boat Tours (Wendella Boat Tours Instagram)

What’s next

The Chicago Fire Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the man's fall from the bridge.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions and emergency preparedness, both for tour operators and the general public, in order to respond effectively to unexpected situations on the waterways.