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Chicago Man Jumps into Lake to Save Baby Blown into Water
Lio Cundiff rescued the 8-month-old girl after her stroller was swept into Lake Michigan by a powerful gust of wind.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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On February 18, 2026, a powerful wind gust blew an 8-month-old baby's stroller into Lake Michigan in Chicago's Belmont Harbor. Bystander Lio Cundiff immediately jumped into the frigid water to rescue the child, who had dipped under the surface a few times. Other witnesses also assisted in the rescue effort, with one providing a life ring and contacting emergency services. The baby was taken to the hospital in good condition.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the importance of community members being willing to take quick action to save lives, even at great personal risk. It also raises awareness about the potential dangers of strong winds near bodies of water, especially for young children in strollers or other vulnerable situations.
The details
According to police, the incident occurred around 3 p.m. on February 18 at Chicago's Belmont Harbor. Multiple witnesses saw the 8-month-old baby's stroller get blown into the water by a powerful gust of wind. Lio Cundiff, who was on the phone with his aunt at the time, immediately jumped into the lake to rescue the child, who had dipped under the surface a few times. Another bystander, Luis Kapost, threw one end of his Chicago Cubs jacket to Cundiff to help keep him afloat while in the water. Other witnesses also threw a life ring and contacted emergency services.
- The incident occurred on February 18, 2026 around 3 p.m. local time.
The players
Lio Cundiff
A bystander who jumped into Lake Michigan to rescue the 8-month-old baby after her stroller was blown into the water.
Luis Kapost
A bystander who threw his Chicago Cubs jacket to Cundiff to help keep him afloat while he was in the water rescuing the baby.
What they’re saying
“I [could] tell she was too panicked to do anything, so I was, like, 'I guess I'm jumping in.' I wasn't going to let that baby die.”
— Lio Cundiff (ABC affiliate WLS)
“I'm holding one sleeve, he's holding the other, and at least they're not floating away.”
— Luis Kapost (Chicago Sun-Times)
“That's the epitome of a hero, someone who's going to act, to help somebody else they don't know even though they're placing their own life in danger. He's an absolute rock star.”
— Luis Kapost (Chicago Sun-Times)
What’s next
The baby was taken to Lurie's Children's Hospital in Chicago for observation and was initially listed in good condition.
The takeaway
This incident demonstrates the importance of community members being willing to take quick action to save lives, even at great personal risk. It also highlights the potential dangers of strong winds near bodies of water, especially for young children in vulnerable situations.
