Vigil held for 13-year-old girl who drowned in Lake Michigan

It has been a long weekend for friends and family of Darihanne Torres. The 13-year-old was pulled under by rip currents while swimming Friday night near Loyola Beach.

More than 100 friends, family and neighbors showed up Monday for an evening vigil. Those that knew the teenager say she loved to dance, hang out and was always had a smile on her face. 

Her friends say 13-year-old Torres was funny, bright and loved life. A large crowd gathered for a vigil Monday night where first responders pulled her body from the water on Friday. 

Her young life was cut short after she was swept by strong rip tides into Lake Michigan. She and four friends went swimming at Loyola Beach on a day when there were warnings for dangerous swimming conditions. 

Steven Ommundson, who's a Chicago police officer and a former lifeguard, responded to the 911 call.

“I saw one female floating in the water maybe about 30-40 feet past that jetti, so I removed my clothing as much as I could and I swam out and got her and brought her back to shore,” said Ommundson.

That 13-year-old girl survived.

“I was glad I was able to help because had it been 30 seconds to a minute later, I think that it would've been a different outcome,” Ommundson said.

He was able to save two others including a female officer who went in trying to help, but he says he couldn't find Torres.

Those that gathered Monday lit candles and released dozens of balloons in the young girl's honor. 

Officers and civilians rescued three other boys Friday night. They are all okay. The family has a GoFundMe account set up for funeral costs.

Arrangements have been scheduled for Saturday at Saint Jerome Catholic Church.