SHOCKING: The final message—just five simple words—from Rico Montes seemed ordinary, yet it became the beginning of an unimaginable tragedy. Initial reports suggest alcohol was involved, and what started as a seemingly harmless gathering quickly spiraled out of control. No one realized the line of danger had been crossed… until it was far too late. As the truth slowly comes to light, the entire community is left shaken—not only by what happened, but by the warning signs that may have been ignored that very night. And the most chilling part: someone may have seen everything… but chose to stay silent. And that person is…

“SEE YOU SOON” — RICO MONTES’ FINAL TEXT HAS NOW BECOME A GOODBYE NO ONE SAW COMING.

Just hours before the tragedy, 18-year-old Rico Montes was reportedly at a party with friends, where alcohol was present. What seemed like an ordinary night quickly turned into something devastating. As the news spread, the Lake Station community was left in shock, while online discussions erupted over underage drinking and the risks of teens getting behind the wheel afterward.

But behind the headlines, questions still remain. What really happened after that final message was sent? And was it simply a tragic accident… or the result of choices no one thought would lead this far?

LAKE STATION, Ind. — The body of 18-year-old Rodrigo “Rico” Montes was found Thursday morning close to the crash site in the river.

Montes’ body was found around 50 feet from where the truck was located early Monday morning in Deep River, according to the fire department.

A suspect is in custody in connection, according to police. No further information on the arrest is available at this time.

According to family, Montes was at a cookout at another house and had to be home by 11 p.m.

When he did not arrive, his brother told WGN News family contacted police after midnight and began calling hospitals.

A truck, which was driven by a minor, was found submerged in Deep River, near 27th Avenue and Wyoming.

The driver came to Montes’ parents’ house with their parents at around 4:45 a.m. Monday, according to Montes’ family. They said the driver was taken for a mental evaluation after saying he did not know where Montes was following the crash.

“(Rico) has a lot of hope after high school and I was talking to him about whether to try construction management or the trades — Local 150,” brother Moises Montes said Tuesday.
‘Very nice, very caring’: Northwest Indiana high school student missing after truck crashes in river
He was a senior at River Forest High School, where he wrestled.

“If it was the other way around I know he wouldn’t have left his friend,” Montes said. “I don’t think he would have ditched him. He’s very nice, very caring and he always looked out for others.”

On Friday afternoon, the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office said the suspect is a minor and they cannot release any details due to the law. The sent the following statement.

“At this time, we are unable to provide any details or comment on any charges associated with this matter. Because the case involves a minor, Indiana law strictly limits the release of information to protect the privacy and rights of the juvenile involved. Should additional information become available that is appropriate for public release, we will provide updates accordingly.

The Lake County Prosecutor’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Rodrigo Montes during this difficult time.”