FRANKLIN CO., Ill. - The body of a man from Geff up in Wayne County has been recovered in an effort that's been ongoing at Rend Lake since Friday.
That was when Jeremy Jelley, 37, of the small village in central Wayne County north of Fairfield, jumped into the waters to help two girls who were having trouble swimming, this at about 8 p.m. that night (July 28).
Jelley was able to get the two young girls to safety, but, according to eyewitnesses, the current where the incident took place (at the North Marcum beach area), which was what was giving the little girls problems, was very strong that day, and Jelley was pulled under.
Crews worked different locations between Friday and this morning (Sunday, July 30) when around 10 a.m. they discovered Jelley's body.
Rend Lake is a very popular location in the summer, but sometimes, especially after heavy rains (which have occurred this week), a current at the southeastern part of the lake can develop, largely because it is, after all, a dammed-up river, and has a spillway to the south where excess flows over.
Members of the little girls' family have contacted Disclosure to ensure that the public knows they wish to express their thanks that Jelley saved the girls, and to express their condolences to Jelley's family.