Grieving mother issues warning after son drowns in Lake Michigan – NBC Chicago

A devastated Chicago mother is warning other parents of the dangers of Lake Michigan after her young son drowned when he was swept away by a strong current.

Onyx Cruz, 7, loved cars, wanted to be an engineer and was the “life of the party,” her mother told NBC Chicago.

“The kind of straight kid who has fun reading,” said his mother, Natacha Cruz. “Practicing chivalry and letting you know that’s what he does. He liked to push the cart for me…and if I wouldn’t let him open the door for me, that was a problem.”

Onyx traveled to Lake Michigan in Portage, Indiana, on Thursday with his paternal grandparents, where he spent time playing in the water. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources said the boy was about waist deep in water when he ventured further and got caught in the strong current.

The young boy’s grandfather tried to save him but was unable and immediately called 911 once he lost sight of his grandson.

About 20 minutes later he was found.

“When he was pulled out of the water, it was too late,” his mother said.

Speaking to NBC Chicago, Natacha Cruz described her son, who was in first grade, as a charismatic boy who touched everyone at school.

“I spent seven years with him,” she says. “I just think what seven more would have been. I don’t see my child crossing the stage.”

As Cruz mourns the loss of her son, she warns the other parents – so they don’t have to experience the grief she feels.

“If it’s cold, don’t take them,” she said, referring to the dangers of swimming. “High waves don’t take them. If there’s no one else at the beach, you shouldn’t be there.”

A National Weather Service Beach Hazard Statement was in effect at the time of Onyx’s drowning. With warmer temperatures returning this Father’s Day weekend, experts recommend being especially careful if you’re near any type of water this weekend.