Family, friends, and the Gannon University community are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Johanna Gregory, a 26-year-old pediatric occupational therapist and former collegiate volleyball standout, who tragically lost her life following a devastating boating accident on Lake Michigan near Chicago’s Monroe Harbor.
According to authorities, the fatal collision occurred late Thursday night, June 25, as two recreational boats carrying a combined total of 14 people were returning to port near downtown Chicago. Preliminary reports indicate that one vessel overtook another, resulting in a violent collision approximately 1.5 miles offshore. The impact left multiple passengers seriously injured and prompted a large-scale emergency response involving the Chicago Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Illinois Conservation Police. Four other individuals aboard Gregory’s vessel sustained critical injuries.
Johanna Gregory was transported to a local hospital in grave condition following the crash. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries the following morning, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether alcohol, drugs, or navigational factors played a role in the collision. Weather conditions are not believed to have contributed to the crash.
Originally from Rochester, New York, Gregory had recently relocated to Chicago, where she worked as a pediatric occupational therapist. Loved ones remember her as a compassionate and deeply empathetic individual who dedicated her career to helping children and improving the lives of families in her community. Her mother described her as “the very best of us,” noting that she made a positive difference in countless lives every day.
Gregory was also remembered for her accomplishments as a student-athlete at Gannon University, where she excelled as a member of the women’s volleyball team. Following news of her death, Gannon Athletics released a heartfelt statement expressing condolences to her family, friends, former teammates, and coaches, affirming that she would always remain part of the Golden Knight family.
As family, friends, and colleagues continue to grieve this unimaginable loss, they are also celebrating the remarkable life Johanna Gregory lived—a life marked by kindness, service, friendship, and compassion.
Funeral arrangements and memorial service details have not yet been publicly announced. Additional information may be released by the family in the coming days.
Johanna Gregory’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.