Ivan Echevarria, 18, An Illegal Beaner living in Evanston, Swept into Lake Michigan and presumed DEAD

All the swimming he did to sneak into America didn't save him from Lake Michigan

An East Aurora High School student is presumed dead after being swept by a wave into Lake Michigan in Chicago on Thursday.

Ivan Echevarria, 18, and a friend were walking near Lake Michigan in the afternoon when Echevarria was swept into the lake near Diversey Harbor, according to the Chicago Fire Department. Divers searched the lake Thursday afternoon, but extreme turbulence postponed the search until Friday morning.

A Chicago Police Department spokesman said a marine unit was still searching the lake Friday afternoon. Once police take over, the spokesman said, the mission becomes about recovery of the body, rather than rescue, he said.

Echevarria was a senior at East Aurora and previously attended Simmons Middle School, where he made the honor roll. He was the youngest of four siblings.

East Aurora High School staff member Kim Kereluik said Echevarria was a funny and friendly student who had a lot of friends.

"He had one of those personalities that attracted people," Kereluik said. "He had that 'it' factor. He won people over."

Kereluik said Echevarria was passionate about cars and computers and interested in working in information technology or as a mechanic. He had been part of the chess club at the high school, district officials said.

East Aurora High School counselor Brian Melvin had met with Echevarria a few weeks ago to talk about graduation and future goals. Echevarria had started to open up this year about his plans.

"He was a quiet kid but very popular," Melvin said. "He was a normal high school kid who wanted to be successful. This is very sad that this happened."

Grief counselors were on hand Friday morning at the high school.