4-Year-Old Dies After Hit by Wave, Choking

Chicago, IL. - A 4-year-old girl died Saturday, four days after being hit by a wave and apparently choking on food at a Southeast Side beach, authorities said.

Marianna Carabez, of 1100 W. 18th St., was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at 7:12 p.m., according to a Cook County Medical Examiner’s office spokesman.

The girl and her father were at Calumet Park Beach at 9801 S. Avenue G when a wave swept over her as she stood at the shoreline about 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, according to a police News Affairs statement.

The girl’s father pulled her from the water, police said. Her parents, who do not speak English, carried their daughter to the beach house at East 98th Street and South Walton Drive and called for help, Fire Media Affairs Cmdr. Will Knight said.

Paramedics found the girl seemingly lifeless and immediately began to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. She was taken in critical condition to Trinity Hospital, Knight said.

Knight said the girl was unable to breath, but still had a heartbeat when she was hospitalized. Further investigation revealed she choked on food, according to Knight.

“She is in respiratory arrest,” Knight initially said.

Paramedics initially had a difficult time communicating with girls’ parents -- who only spoke Spanish -- to determine why the girl
was unable to breathe, Knight said.

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services spokesman Jimmie Whitelow said the agency is investigating the girl's death but has had no prior contact with her family.

An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday.