(New Buffalo, MI) - Hearts are heavy in New Buffalo because of a young man found dead in Lake Michigan in Chicago last week.

 

Ben Coffeen, 20, was on a boat when before he wound up in the water near DuSable Harbor.  A several hour search, with help from a helicopter, followed.  His fully clothed body was recovered several days later.

 

So far, authorities are still investigating how Coffeen wound up overboard. There are reports Coffeen was on the boat with other college students who were home from fall break.

 

A celebration of life is scheduled on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the pavilion outside New Buffalo Township Hall.

 

Coffeen was a student athlete, who participated in sports including football and baseball, prior to graduating from New Buffalo High School in 2022.  He was described as a well-liked member of the community.