Family, friends, and loved ones are mourning the tragic loss of Johanna H. Gregory, a 26-year-old New York native who died following a multi-boat collision on Lake Michigan near Chicago’s Monroe Harbor.
According to officials, the crash happened late Thursday, June 25, 2026, as two recreational boats were returning toward shore. Authorities said one vessel overtook another about 1.5 miles from Monroe Harbor before the collision occurred. Gregory was taken to a hospital in grave condition and later died from her injuries.
The crash involved 14 people, with several others seriously injured. Two people were thrown into the water but were rescued before emergency crews arrived. Investigators said the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is leading the investigation, while officials continue reviewing factors such as speed, visibility, vessel lighting, and whether impairment played any role.
Gregory, originally from Rochester, New York, had recently moved to Chicago and worked as a pediatric occupational therapist. She was also a former Gannon University volleyball player and was remembered by the university’s athletic department as a beloved member of its volleyball program.
Loved ones described Johanna as deeply kind and compassionate. Her father remembered her as someone with a “heart of gold,” while her mother said she was an empathetic person who made a meaningful difference in the lives of the children she served.
Funeral and memorial arrangements have not been fully announced publicly. As family, friends, former teammates, coworkers, and the wider community mourn, Johanna Gregory is being remembered for her warmth, service, athletic spirit, and the lasting impact she made in her short life.
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