Will County, IL: Missing Man Found Alive After 7-Hour Search at Rock Run Rookery

Joliet, IL – A seven-hour search involving dozens of responders ended with good news Friday evening when a missing 31-year-old Joliet man was found alive in heavy brush at Rock Run Rookery Preserve.

According to the Forest Preserve District of Will County, Leo Hara was located around 7 p.m. Friday and appeared uninjured. An ambulance was called to transport him to a local hospital for evaluation.

Hara had been reported missing at 12:10 p.m. while participating in a Cornerstone Services group outing at the 224-acre preserve on Youngs Road, south of Route 6/Eames Street.

Forest Preserve police immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation and sought assistance from the public. The response expanded to include K-9 teams, divers, helicopters, boats and drones from numerous agencies.

Ultimately, searchers on foot located Hara.

"In the end, it was boots on the ground that found Mr. Hara," Forest Preserve Deputy Chief David Barrios Jr. said. He credited 27 members of the Illinois Search and Rescue Council with finding Hara inside the preserve.

Channahon Police, Joliet Fire, Will County Sheriff's Police and Cook County Sheriff's Police were among the agencies assisting. Wisconsin search-and-rescue personnel and area K-9 units also participated, while the Salvation Army provided a hydration and food van.

Barrios thanked responding agencies and members of the public who provided tips during the search.

"We are relieved and overjoyed that this search has concluded in a positive way," he said.

Rock Run Rookery Preserve includes lakes, wetlands and other natural areas southwest of downtown Joliet.