PORTER | A body that washed up on the beach near the Indiana Dunes State Park early Tuesday was identified as that of a 13-year-old Chicago boy missing in the waters since Saturday.
The body of Rafael Palomar was discovered by a Gary man who was walking his dog about a half mile east of the pavilion at the park, according to Gene Davis, Indiana Department of Natural Resources conservation officer.
Palomar apparently drowned while swimming at Porter Beach Saturday in 3- to 5-foot waves whipped by 25-mph wind.
Davis said the recovery of Palomar's body brings to a close a search that included the use of three helicopters, seven boats, up to 60 divers from several agencies and over 100 people.
Porter Beach, which adjoins the beach at Indiana Dunes State Park, is not guarded by lifeguards, and lifeguards at the state park beach had banned swimming at the time Palomar went under.
On July 13, 14-year-old DeVante Jackson, of Chicago Heights, drowned at Kemil Beach.
