The search for a missing 60-year-old duck hunter concluded grimly on November 4, 2023, when his body was found in Fourth Lake in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, near Lake Villa, Illinois. Patrick Serzynski had been missing since October 30, 2023, when he set out on a duck hunting trip and did not return.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified Serzynski and revealed that preliminary autopsy results were consistent with drowning. Serzynski was last seen preparing for a day of hunting at his duck blind, a hidden structure for observing waterfowl. His boat and personal belongings were discovered at the blind later that day, but Serzynski was not found.
Dive teams and rescue boats from various fire departments carried out extensive searches across the lake. Despite their efforts, Serzynski remained unlocated for five days.
An electrician for 38 years who retired in 2022, Serzynski was known as an avid outdoorsman. He had recently celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary with his wife, Kimberley, in September.
While officials have not disclosed specific details about the circumstances leading to Serzynski’s death, they have indicated no suspicion of foul play. The Lake County Coroner’s Office is continuing its investigation into the cause of the drowning.
In response to this tragedy, both the Lake Villa community and the broader hunting community have offered their condolences to the Serzynski family.