Andrea Stawny and Sofie Stawny Obituary, Springfield, Death – Springfield Police Confirm Identities in Lake Springfield Tragedy as Multi-Agency Search Continues for Missing Man
SPRINGFIELD — Authorities have confirmed the identities of two individuals recovered following a tragic water-related incident at Lake Springfield, while a multi-agency search continues for a missing man believed to have been with the group at the time of the event.
According to the Springfield Police Department, emergency crews were dispatched after reports that multiple individuals had entered the water and failed to safely return. The situation quickly escalated into a coordinated search and recovery operation involving law enforcement, fire rescue units, and specialized dive teams.
Officials confirmed that Andrea Stawny and Sofie Stawny were recovered from the lake after extensive search efforts. Their identities were released following completion of next-of-kin notifications. Authorities have not yet disclosed detailed circumstances surrounding their deaths, though the incident is being treated as a tragic water-related event pending further investigation.
In addition to the confirmed fatalities, a man who was reportedly with the group remains missing. His identity has not been released publicly, as search operations remain ongoing and family members are being supported by investigators during this time. Authorities have deployed boats, sonar technology, shoreline search teams, and aerial support in an effort to locate the missing individual.
The Springfield Police Department, in coordination with fire rescue and emergency management agencies, stated that the investigation is active and ongoing. Officials are working to establish a clear timeline of events leading up to the incident, including reviewing witness statements, examining vehicle locations near the shoreline, and collecting any available surveillance footage from surrounding areas.
Preliminary indications suggest the incident may have occurred during a recreational outing at the lake, though authorities have not confirmed contributing factors such as weather conditions or water hazards. Lake Springfield is a popular recreational destination, but officials regularly caution the public about underwater risks, shifting depths, and other natural dangers that can pose serious hazards even to experienced swimmers.
Family members of the victims are receiving support services and have requested privacy as they grieve. Community members have also begun sharing condolences and tributes, expressing sorrow over the loss of Andrea and Sofie Stawny while hoping for the safe recovery of the missing individual.
Search operations are expected to continue as crews systematically cover designated areas of the lake. Officials have stated that further updates will be released as new information becomes available.