Joliet man drowns in New Lenox Commons pond; officers injured

A Joliet man died Monday night, and four police officers were injured in their efforts to save him after his vehicle became submerged in the pond in the New Lenox Commons area, according to officials.

Andrew Jurvich, 49, was pronounced dead at 10 p.m. at Silver Cross Hospital emergency room, according to the Will County coroner’s office.

Jurvich was southbound on Gear Drive in his Honda Accord, when he drove through the Commons, behind the performing arts pavilion and into the pond, Alessandrini. said.

A citizen who was on the scene flagged down a police officer who was joined other officers at about 8:50 p.m., who tried unsuccessfully to rescue the driver as the front of his car went down into the water, he said.

Crews from the New Lenox Fire Protection District and a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System 19 dive team also responded. The first dive team member entered the water and quickly removed Jurvich, who was the sole occupant of the car, according to fire officials,

One officer required stitches to his hand and arm, another was treated for abrasions, and two others were treated after being cold and wet, and all have been released from the hospital, Alessandrini said.

The deputy chief said he does not know why or how Jurvich’s vehicle left the roadway. Jurvich’s most recent address was the Walona Motel in New Lenox, he said.

The final cause and manner of his death is pending toxicology reports and an autopsy, according to the coroner.

The Commons, located on Veterans Parkway, is a popular gathering spot and concert venue in the village, and the site for the police station, library and village hall.