‘It’s been seven long days’: Family remembers son, grandfather after boat capsizes on Wisconsin River
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (WMTV) - It’s been one week since a fishing boat capsized on the Wisconsin River, claiming the life of 75-year-old Luis Di Filippo of Chicago. But, the search continues for his 20-year-old grandson, Frank Di Filippo.
“We’re not leaving until Frank’s brought home. Not leaving without Frank,” Frank’s girlfriend, Shay Zuelke, said.
Zuelke and Frank’s parents, Lina and Brian Schultz of Chicago, say they just want to bring Frank home.
“Not only did the waters take my baby away from me but now at least give him back. Just one last time,” Lina said. “It’s been seven long days.”
Wisconsin Dells Police Department said search efforts have been difficult because of the water conditions, specifically near the Kilbourn Dam, where the family’s fishing boat capsized around 4:30 p.m. last Thursday.
The family says they’re frustrated with the weather, which is making conditions nearly impossible for crews to search for Frank on the Wisconsin River.
“It’s brutal just sitting here just waiting,” Frank’s father, Brian Schultz, said.
Zuelke said her heart aches for Frank and Luis.
“Knowing what they went through and that Frank is still down there and they can’t get to him or they don’t know where he’s at or I don’t know. I need my Frank back,” she said.
The family also says Frank and Luis were the glue of the family and Frank had so much life left to live.
“I owe my life to him,” Zuelke said. “He’s taught me love, compassion, respect from somebody and how to respect myself. I’ve never been loved that way and I’ll never find someone who will love me the way that Frank did because Frank is Frank. There’s no one else like Frank.”
Family members urge others to wear their life vests when they’re out on the water, even if you’re a good swimmer and know the waters you’re on.
“Frank was a great swimmer. He took all swimming lessons. He was an amazing swimmer and what did it get him. It got him trying to save his grandpa’s life,” Lina said.
“People go out here and don’t expect a tragedy to happen. But it’s better to prepare for the worst than to lose the love of your life at 20 years old,” Zuelke said.
“He meant everything to me,” Zuelke added. “Our life was supposed to start this year. He was supposed to buy the house, we were supposed to get engaged this year, his life was supposed to start this year. He turned 20 in December. He just turned 20.”
Friends and family members started a GoFundMe to help with expenses for the Schultz and Di Filippo family.
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