Rodrigo “Rico” Montes, Missing Lake Station Teen, Found Dead in Deep River; Suspect in Custody, Charges Pending

The body of Rodrigo “Rico” Montes, an 18-year-old from Lake Station, Indiana, has been recovered from the Deep River following a days-long search, authorities confirmed, as a suspect is now in custody and charges are pending.

Montes was found Thursday morning in the river, located approximately 50 feet from where a submerged truck had been discovered earlier in the week near the intersection of 27th Avenue and Wyoming, according to the Lake Station Fire Department.

The discovery comes days after Montes was reported missing late Sunday night, prompting an extensive search effort across the northwest Indiana community.

Police confirmed that a suspect has since been taken into custody in connection with the case. However, officials have not yet released further details about the arrest or potential charges as the investigation remains ongoing.

 Family members said Montes had been attending a cookout Sunday evening and was expected home by 11 p.m. When he did not return, relatives grew concerned and began searching for answers. His brother, Moises Montes, said the family contacted police shortly after midnight and called local hospitals in an effort to locate him.

According to the family, the driver of the truck involved in the crash arrived at their home around 4:45 a.m. Monday, accompanied by their parents. Relatives said the individual appeared disoriented and claimed not to know Montes’ whereabouts following the incident. The driver was later taken for a mental health evaluation.

Authorities believe the truck had been involved in a crash before ending up submerged in the river. The vehicle was recovered early Monday morning, but Montes was not located at that time, intensifying fears for his safety.

Montes, a senior at River Forest High School in nearby Hobart, was an active member of the school’s wrestling team. Coaches and community members described him as a dedicated student-athlete who made a lasting impact on those around him.

 

“To have this kind of turnout for a young man shows what kind of young man he was,” said wrestling coach Tom Vasbinder, as hundreds gathered Thursday night at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Lake Station for a prayer vigil honoring Montes and supporting his family.

Loved ones remembered Montes as kind, compassionate, and driven, with plans to explore career opportunities in construction management and the skilled trades after graduation.

“He always looked out for others,” his brother said. “If the situation had been reversed, I don’t believe he would have left a friend behind.”

The circumstances surrounding the crash and the events leading up to Montes’ death remain under active investigation as authorities work to determine exactly what happened.