Contractor Ivan A. Perez Dies in Downers Grove Storm Sewer Accident

A tragic incident occurred in Downers Grove, Illinois, where 33-year-old contractor Ivan A. Perez from Pasadena, Texas, died after becoming trapped in a storm sewer during severe rainfall on Monday. The DuPage County coroner’s office confirmed his identity late Thursday.

Perez's body was discovered on Tuesday in the 5100 block of Washington Street, according to a statement from DuPage County Coroner Judith Lukas. Preliminary findings indicated that the probable cause of death was accidental drowning, though final toxicology reports are still pending.

In a statement expressing condolences, Coroner Lukas said, “Our office would like to express our deepest condolences to Ivan Perez’s family, friends, and coworkers.” Perez was part of a team conducting a pipe rehabilitation project when both he and another contractor became trapped in the sewer.

While Perez did not survive, the second contractor was successfully rescued approximately 200 feet within the sewer system. This individual was subsequently transported to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove and is reported to be in good condition.

The incident has drawn attention to safety protocols during extreme weather conditions, prompting an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.