Two boys airlifted after near-drowning at Illinois state park field trip

Two boys were airlifted to hospital after an incident at Matthiessen State Park on Friday. One of them, aged 11 or 12, lost consciousness in the water while roughhousing with friends. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene. The incident happened around 12:45 p.m. during a school field trip. The younger boy inhaled water and became unconscious. When police arrived, bystanders were already performing CPR.

The boy was revived before both were flown to a hospital in Peoria. Though shaken, they were breathing and alert during the flight. Doctors later noted signs of shock in both children.

Matthiessen State Park, where the incident took place, sits about 90 miles southwest of Chicago. It lies near Starved Rock State Park, a popular destination for school outings. Medical staff confirmed the boys’ injuries were not life-threatening. They remained under observation following the ordeal. The school and emergency teams worked together to ensure their safety.