John Staggs Obituary, Death: Missing Coast Guard Auxiliary leader, 76, confirmed dead in Winthrop Harbor drowning, officials report.
John Staggs Obituary, Death – A longtime member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has been confirmed dead after being reported missing in the waters of Lake Michigan earlier this week. The deceased has been identified as 76-year-old John Staggs, a highly respected and decorated leader who had served more than 38 years with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Staggs was first reported missing late last week, and his body was recovered a day later.
The Winthrop Harbor Fire Department was called to North Point Marina at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday following a report of a possible missing person in the water. After several hours of searching, officials located Staggs’ body under a dock at around 8:45 p.m. that evening.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that the man found drowned at Winthrop Harbor was indeed John Staggs. According to authorities, he had last been seen at around 10:30 p.m. the night before his disappearance was reported.
Staggs’ funeral has been scheduled for Saturday in Chicago, where he will be remembered for his decades of service and commitment to maritime safety and community service.
The circumstances surrounding his death are still being examined as officials continue their investigation into what led to the drowning. No additional information has been released so far regarding how or why he ended up in the water.
Staggs’ passing marks a significant loss for the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the local community. His contributions over nearly four decades reflect a lifetime dedicated to helping others, promoting boating safety, and supporting search-and-rescue missions on U.S. waterways.
As the investigation continues, the local authorities and the Coast Guard have not indicated any signs of foul play. The focus remains on piecing together the final hours before Staggs went missing.
In the meantime, tributes have begun to pour in from fellow Auxiliary members, friends, and community members who recall his tireless service and kind spirit. Staggs was known for his leadership, his willingness to mentor younger volunteers, and his unwavering dedication to the Coast Guard’s mission.
His sudden and tragic death has left many in mourning, with those who knew him describing him as a pillar in the maritime community. His efforts helped shape safe boating practices and inspired countless others to serve.
Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have been at the marina during the relevant time frame or who has information about Staggs’ last known activities to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation.
As his family and colleagues prepare for his funeral in Chicago, John Staggs is being remembered not only for his service but for the lasting impact he made on those around him.
