Lake Station, Indiana — The body of 18‑year‑old Rodrigo “Rico” Montes was pulled from the cold waters of Deep River on Thursday morning, bringing a tragic end to a multi‑day search that gripped the small community. The senior at River Forest High School had been missing since early Monday, when a pickup truck he was believed to be riding in went off the road and plunged into the river near 27th Avenue and Wyoming Street.
Family members had last heard from Rico late Sunday night. He’d been at a gathering and told relatives he was getting a ride home with a friend. Hours later police responded to reports of a submerged vehicle. Divers and rescue crews combed the river and shoreline for days before finding his body around 11:20 a.m. Thursday.
Loved ones described Rico as a young man with big plans and bright energy. He was just months away from graduation, and friends talked about his hopes for college and building a future. As word spread that he had been found, neighbors and classmates shared shock and deep sadness over the loss of someone so young and well liked.
Lake Station police confirmed one person is now in custody and that charges are pending in connection with the incident, though they’ve not released details on the charges or the suspect’s identity. Family members say the friend who owned the truck has at times denied involvement and told them he walked home after the crash.
The Lake County coroner’s office will determine the cause and manner of Rico’s death after an autopsy scheduled for Friday. In the meantime, mourners have gathered near the scene and in the community to pay tribute, laying flowers and sharing memories.
Rico’s family thanked everyone who joined in the search and offered support, saying the community’s response brought some comfort in the face of their grief. Plans for his graduation party and future dreams now stand as bittersweet reminders of a life cut far too short.
As authorities continue their investigation, questions remain about how the crash happened and what led to the pickup ending up in the river. The community is left with loss, pushed to find peace and answers as they remember Rico beyond the headlines.
