CHICAGO — Johanna Gregory, a 26-year-old pediatric occupational therapist, died following a boat collision on Lake Michigan near Monroe Harbor in Chicago on June 25, 2026. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed her death.

The collision involved two recreational vessels and occurred approximately 1.5 miles from shore at around 11:30 p.m. The Coast Guard received notification of the crash about 15 minutes later. One vessel measured approximately 38 feet long, and the other was about 42 feet long. A total of 14 people were aboard the two boats, with one carrying nine people and the other five. The passengers ranged in age from approximately 18 to 26 years old.

One boat had overtaken the other prior to the collision. Four people sustained serious injuries, and five were hospitalized in serious to grave conditions. Three individuals, including a woman in grave condition, were transported to Northwestern Hospital. Two people were taken to Stroger Hospital, while nine others declined treatment. "It was a definite hard collision," said Jason Lach, Deputy District Chief of the Chicago Fire Department's Marine Dive Operations.

Two people were thrown into the water during the crash. Other passengers rescued them before first responders arrived. First responders arrived at the scene within seven minutes of receiving the initial call. Water and weather conditions are not currently believed to have been factors in the collision.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is conducting the investigation into the incident. Detectives are examining whether alcohol or drugs were involved and if the boat that was struck had its lights on at the time of the crash. "There's a lot of questions we can't answer until all the investigations done," Lach said.

The Coast Guard towed one boat to Queens Landing across from Buckingham Fountain. Chicago police towed the other boat to the CPD Marine Unit headquarters. Johanna Gregory was a pediatric occupational therapist originally from Rochester, New York, and had started a new job in Chicago in February 2026. She was a graduate of Gannon University in Pennsylvania, where she played Division II volleyball.

Douglas Gregory said of Johanna Gregory, "She had a heart of gold and I don't understand how someone so sweet could be taken from us." Lieutenant Commander James Alling of the United States Coast Guard commented on general boating safety. "While the circumstances are under investigation, this serves as a sobering reminder that safety on the water begins long before leaving the dock," Alling said. He added that "Boaters should always wear a life jacket, maintain a proper lookout, operate at a safe speed, and never operate a vessel under the influence."