NAPERVILLE, IL – The family of Manuel Rosales is grappling with grief and unanswered questions following his tragic drowning at Centennial Beach. Despite being known as a proficient swimmer, Rosales found himself in perilous circumstances, raising concerns about the sequence of events that led to his untimely death.
Rosales, a Venezuelan immigrant, had recently fulfilled his dream of opening a barbershop in Addison, Illinois. Today, the shop stands silent, adorned with flowers and condolence notes from friends and clients. Nearby, a bicycle intended for his eight-year-old daughter, now fatherless, serves as a poignant reminder of his absence.
The incident occurred last Thursday while Rosales was enjoying a day out with friends. His widow, speaking in Spanish, expressed that their daughter’s life revolved around her father. The family, who moved to the U.S. less than two years ago, is now contemplating returning Rosales’ remains to Venezuela.
Jefferson Rosales, Manuel’s brother, shared heartfelt memories, crediting Manuel with teaching him essential life lessons. As the family navigates this tragedy, they have hired an attorney, believing that Manuel’s death could have been prevented.
Accounts from those present that day reveal that a swimming race was organized from the shallow end of the beach. When they noticed Manuel was missing, his friends searched for him before approaching lifeguards for assistance. Disturbingly, they claim lifeguards advised them to check the bathroom and parking lot, offering little immediate help.
It was approximately 30 minutes later that lifeguards and first responders retrieved Rosales’ body from the water. The Naperville Park District issued a statement expressing condolences but disputed the timeline and details of the incident. They assured cooperation with the ongoing police investigation.
The official cause of death remains under investigation by the Naperville Police Department and the DuPage County Coroner’s Office, with preliminary autopsy results pending.