LAKE FOREST, IL — The body of the Lake Forest boater who went missing after his catamaran capsized in Lake Michigan last month was found in Michigan on Nov. 8, authorities said.
Christian Mattis, 43, was last seen alive when he set out on his 15-foot catamaran from the Lake Forest boat launch on Oct. 13. His family reported him missing that afternoon after he failed to return as planned.
Search efforts that day located his overturned sailboat about five miles offshore, but high winds and 6-foot waves hampered the ability of rescue crews to locate him.
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U.S. Coast Guard personnel joined efforts that included boats, helicopters and drones, but the search was called off that evening as rough water conditions persisted.
Surface searches resumed the next day, but Mattis remained missing. Fire officials later confirmed he had not been wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the accident.
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Read more: Lake Forest Boater Missing, Drone Finds His Catamaran Overturned 5 Miles From Shoreline
Nearly four weeks later, Michigan State Police discovered a body along the Lake Michigan shoreline near Pentwater, about 120 miles northeast from where Mattis’ catamaran capsized.
Investigators initially found no identification but later confirmed the remains belonged to the missing sailor.
“The Michigan State Police sends our deepest condolences to the family of a missing boater from Illinois who has been identified as the remains found in Lake Michigan on Nov. 8,” police said in a Nov. 13 statement.
Mattis, a Czech Republic native and German national, graduated from the University of Giessen and built a successful career in finance, according to his obituary.
“Christian embraced life to the fullest, cherishing every moment with those he loved,” it said.
Mattis is remembered for his thoughtfulness, sense of humor, and his love for his family and the outdoors.
He is survived by his wife and two young sons.
An online fundraiser created this week to help Mattis’ family navigate life without him had raised more than $6,500 by Wednesday afternoon.
In its description, its organizer described Mattis as a devoted husband and father, always quick to comfort those in need.
“The Mattis family has touched so many lives with their hearts,” it said. “Let’s show them ours.”
Services in honor of Mattis are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 Vine Ave., Lake Forest.
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