Contractor who died in Downers Grove storm sewer identified
<p>A contractor who died after becoming trapped in a Downers Grove storm sewer during heavy rain Monday has been identified as 33-year-old Ivan A. Perez, of Pasadena, Texas, the DuPage County coroner's office confirmed late Thursday.</p><p>Perez's body was recovered Tuesday in the 5100 block of Washington Street, according to DuPage County Coroner Judith Lukas.</p><p>The probable cause of death was accidental drowning, pending toxicology results, the coroner's office said.</p><p>“Our office would like to express our deepest condolences to Ivan Perez's family, friends, and coworkers,” Lukas said in a statement.</p><p>Perez was one of two contractors who became trapped Monday while working on a pipe rehabilitation project after storms moved through the area.</p><p>The other worker was rescued about 200 feet down the sewer and taken to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove in good condition.</p><p>The <a class="Link" href="https://www.suntimeswire.com/news/2026/07/28/downers-grove-sewer-storm-drain" target="_blank" ><u>Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating</u></a> the incident.</p>
Reported by 1 outlet — Chicago Sun-Times. See all sources ↓
A contractor named Ivan A. Perez, 33, from Pasadena, Texas, died after being trapped in a storm sewer in Downers Grove during heavy rain on Monday. His body was recovered on Tuesday in the 5100 block of Washington Street. The DuPage County coroner said the probable cause of death was accidental drowning, pending toxicology results.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the risks workers face during severe weather. It also reminds residents to be aware of flood dangers in their neighborhoods.
- Who was the contractor?
- Ivan A. Perez, a 33‑year‑old from Pasadena, Texas.
- Where did the incident happen?
- In a storm sewer on Washington Street in Downers Grove, Illinois.
- What was the likely cause of death?
- Accidental drowning, according to the coroner.
How outlets are framing the same story
Here's how each outlet is covering the story — compare their headlines and timing at a glance.
All outlets frame the story the same way, focusing on the identification of the victim and the cause of death.
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Contractor who died in Downers Grove storm sewer identified
Sources1TypeCoverageChicago Sun-Times