What happened to Luke Laidley? Check out the sad death of 9/11 survivor Luke Laidley, who lost his life by drowning in Lake Michigan while trying to save a child.
What happened to Luke Laidley?
Winnetka resident Luke Laidley tragically drowned in Lake Michigan on Tuesday, July 4th. He was trying to help a group of children who found themselves in danger while tubing near the coast. One child fell off the raft being towed by the boat, prompting Laidley to jump into the water to save them.
However, he was swept away by a strong current and did not resurface. Paramedics pulled Laidley from the water and transported him to a local hospital, where they attempted to save his life.
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Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The incident was reported to the authorities around 1:23 p.m., and it is not suspected that it was a violation. Luke Laidley, who worked as a director of institutional sales, tragically lost his life while selflessly trying to help vulnerable children in Lake Michigan.
Who was Luke Laidley?
Luke Laidley was a 43-year-old family man who is survived by his wife Lauren and their three young children. After graduating from Boston College, he began his career at Morgan Stanley in New York. Tragically, on the second working day, he experienced the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Although he managed to evacuate safely, several of his colleagues lost their lives in the devastating event. This life-changing experience had a profound effect on Laidley, leading him to adopt a new perspective on life.
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He embraced the importance of appreciating one’s blessings, selfless giving, and belonging to something greater than oneself. Luke eventually moved to Chicago, where he pursued his career in finance and met his wife, Lauren. Described as a bright and positive person, he was known for his dedication to serving others and living a purposeful life.
Luke Laidley Obituary
Luke Graham Laidley, born on September 14, 1979, tragically passed away on July 4, 2023 at the age of 43. Luke, the fifth child of Forrest and Diana Laidley, was born and raised in Libertyville, IL, along with his five siblings.
As a child, he grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, where he developed a deep love for sports and nurtured his faith. Luke attended Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein and later continued his higher education at Boston College, where he embraced a philosophy of service to others.
After graduating with a degree in finance, Luke began his professional journey, joining Morgan Stanley in New York at the age of 21. Tragically, on his second working day, Luke experienced the devastating events of September 11, 2001.
While working in Tower 2 of the World Trade Center, Luke found himself at the epicenter of a terrorist attack. He miraculously survived the harrowing experience, after evacuating from the 61st floor. The loss of 13 of his colleagues at Morgan Stanley affected him deeply, shaping his outlook on life.
Luke’s near-death experience on 9/11 instilled in him a deep appreciation for each day and a commitment to selflessness. In his own words, he encouraged others to count their blessings, give without expecting anything in return, and become part of something bigger than themselves.
After the tragedy, Luke moved to Chicago, where he built a successful career in finance. He also found joy and purpose in coaching high school football at Carmel Catholic and Loyola Academy.
Throughout his life, Luka’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He married the love of his life, Lauren Damico, and together they celebrated almost a decade of wedded bliss. Luke and Lauren were blessed with three beautiful children: Lucas (7), Vivian (5) and Logan (3).
Their family found a loving and supportive community in the Faith, Hope and Love Catholic Parish in Winnetka, where they actively participated in the life of the parish and enrolled their children in school.
Luke’s contagious smile, unwavering positivity and resilient spirit touched the lives of everyone he met. He was a devoted husband and loving father who exemplified the values of compassion, love and leadership.
Luke’s genuine caring and selflessness extended beyond his immediate family, making him a beloved brother, brother-in-law and uncle to his large extended family. His influence on others was immeasurable, leaving a lasting legacy of inspiration and kindness.
On July 4, 2023, tragedy struck again as Luke demonstrated his unwavering commitment to helping others. While enjoying a day on Lake Michigan, he fearlessly jumped into the water to rescue children in distress when their tube capsized.
Unfortunately, Luke lost his life in a heroic act of selflessness. His spirit of giving and sacrifice continued even after his death when he became an organ donor, giving life to others.
Luke Graham Laidley will be greatly missed but will be forever in the hearts of his loving wife Lauren and their children Lucas, Vivian and Logan. He is survived by his parents, Forrest and Diane Laidley, and his siblings: Mary Sachs (Roland), Jeanne Whirry (Steve), Michael Laidley (Kathryn), Anne Sondalle (Craig) and Maura Ziemann (Brandon).
Luke was the dear son-in-law of Joseph and Pamela Damico and dear brother-in-law of Lindsay Bianco (Joseph) and Joseph Damico (Christine). His memory will live on through his seventeen nieces and nephews.
The funeral mass will be held on Saturday, July 15, in the Catholic Church of St. Joseph in Libertyville, where family, friends and the community will gather to celebrate and honor Luke’s extraordinary life. Prior to the Mass, a visitation will be held on Friday, July 14th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McMurrough Funeral Chapel.
Luke Laidley will forever be remembered as a true hero who lived a life of purpose, serving others with unwavering love and selflessness. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
What did Luke Laidley do?
Luke Laidley led a life characterized by remarkable resilience, selflessness and a commitment to serving others. After graduating from Boston College with a degree in finance, he began his professional career at Morgan Stanley in New York.
Tragically, on the second working day, he found himself at the center of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Despite the harrowing experience, Luke survived the attack and made it out of Tower Two of the World Trade Center.
This life-changing event profoundly shaped his perspective, inspiring him to live each day with gratitude and to give of himself without expecting anything in return. After the tragedy of 9/11, Luke returned to his hometown of Chicago, where he pursued a successful career in finance. In addition to his professional pursuits, Luke has devoted himself to coaching high school football at Carmel Catholic and Loyola Academy.
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However, his greatest achievement was his role as a loving husband to his wife Lauren and a devoted father to their three children: Lucas, Vivian and Logan. Luke’s true passion in life was his family, and he embraced his parental responsibilities with unwavering love and devotion.
Luke’s influence extended beyond his immediate family. He was a beloved brother, brother-in-law and uncle, and his contagious smile and positive outlook on life touched the hearts of everyone he met.
Luke’s experiences, including surviving 9/11, have led him to give compassion, love, inspiration and guidance to others. His unwavering commitment to serving others came to a tragic end on July 4, 2023, when he risked his own life in an attempt to save children who were in distress on Lake Michigan.
In essence, Luke Laidley was a hero in every sense of the word. His life was an example of the belief that true fulfillment comes from selflessness and contribution to something greater than yourself. Luke’s legacy will continue to inspire others to live with purpose, gratitude and commitment to serving their communities.
How did Luke Laidley save the children?
On the fateful day of July 4, 2023, Luke Laidley showed incredible courage as he tried to save children in need. While boating near Centennial Park Beach on Lake Michigan, a tube being towed by Luke’s boat capsized, putting multiple children in danger in the water. Without hesitation, Luke jumped into the water to save them, fully aware of the potential danger and the strong current present.
Luke’s quick action in the face of danger allowed him to reach the struggling children and help them. Unfortunately, despite his heroic efforts, Luke was unable to save himself from the strong currents that swept him away.
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Others on board were able to pull him back on board and immediately began performing CPR. Luke was then rushed to the hospital in serious condition, but tragically died a short time later.
Luke Laidley’s selfless act of risking his own life to save children is a testament to his courage, love for others and willingness to go above and beyond to protect those in need.
His actions that day exemplified his philosophy of giving of yourself without expecting anything in return and becoming a part of something bigger. Luke’s sacrifice will forever be remembered as an act of true heroism.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education