By Lindsay Welbers Princeton Reporter DEPUEThe body of a 17-year-old DePue male was pulled from the lake Tuesday

night. Authorities received a call for a drowning victim around 8 p.m. DePue police arrived within minutes. Bureau County Coroner Janice Wamhoff didnt release a name but said the boy had been playing with a soccer ball on the shore with some friends when it went into the water. He went in to retrieve it. He made it about 25 yards, Wamhoff said. And apparently he just couldnt get back. He was declared dead 9:20 p.m. at the scene. Illinois Conservation Police, who are handling the investigation, said the water was frigid and about 13 feet deep where he was found. Wamhoff said the frigid water probably exacerbated the situation, making it difficult for him to free himself. It was just a tragic thing, Wamhoff said. A crowd of hundreds gathered at the corner of Lake and Second streets, many who said they knew the victim and described him as funny and outgoing. DePue Police, DePue Fire Department, Peru River Rescue, Peru Fire Department, Bureau County Sheriffs Department and Spring Valley Police assisted. Lindsay Welbers can be reached at (815)872-1069 Ext. 13 or ntprinceton@newstrib.com.