Search continues for Kankakee woman, safety stressed

Search & Rescue teams are still searching the Kankakee River for Jessica Hinojosa. The 26-year-old woman is presumed drowned since her call was pulled from the river two weeks ago.

Family and friends are gathering for a fundraiser in Bradley this (Fri) evening.

While friends want to help, Kankakee Fire officials understand that, but untrained volunteers can also hamper efforts. Assistant Fire Chief Phil Perkins says safety has to be the priority.

"We encourage volunteers to help but this water is cold and fast-flowing. This has to be done in a safe manner," Perkins told 94.1 WGFA News. "This river dam is about the most-dangerous thing we have to deal with in this city."

Miss Hinojosa was last seen on a Saturday night. Her family and friends reported her missing the following day.

The search has focused between the river dam and Bird Park to the west.

Perkins said search efforts will continue. "Anytime someone reports a spotting, we check it out as quickly as we can. Boat patrols continue. The biggest problem is the extreme cold temperature," Perkins said.

94.1 WGFA