What started off as a joyful spring holiday between a grandson and his cherished grandfather turned into weeks of longing, heartache, and quiet.

Authorities have located the body of Francesco Di Filippo, a 20-year-old college student from Chicago. He vanished in early April. On Monday, June 30, 2025, his body was found close to Newport Beach, Wisconsin, capping a three-month search that left his family and community in ruins.

First responders were dispatched to the location around 2:13 p.m., according to Lake Delton Police, following a report of a body found in the water. Authorities then verified Francesco’s identity because the clothes on the body matched what he was wearing when he was last seen.

After his boat overturned on the Wisconsin River close to the Kilbourn Dam on April 3, 2025, Francesco was last seen. He had been with his grandfather, Luis F. Di Filippo, throughout spring vacation.

He was on the overturned boat with his grandfather and another man named Giovanni Mills. The following day, they found Luis’s body, but Giovanni survived and made it to shore. Until now, Francesco had never been located.

Lina Di Filippo-Schultz, his mother, had held onto hope during the agonizing wait. As she told Fox32Chicago News, “He never refused. Family was always the top priority. Without him, life won’t be the same.

A second-year student at Wright College, Francesco was well-known for his generosity, commitment to family, and constant smile. According to the obituary posted by Cumberland Chapels, he had a profound influence on everyone with whom he came into contact.

The Wisconsin Dells Police Department sent their condolences to the family in a public statement. Authorities also thanked the agencies and individuals that participated in the massive search.

Dangerous river conditions hindered that search. The Wisconsin Police detailed the swift-moving waters and erratic currents that made recovery operations risky and intricate in a press release on April 4. Teams searched for weeks in spite of these circumstances.

As the days went by, Francesco’s mother begged him to come back. “The seas took my kid from me, but at least now he’s back with me.” She remarked in an emotional interview with WMTV15 News, “Just one last time [sic].”

In the same interview, his father, Brian Schultz, stated, “It’s brutal just sitting here waiting.”
“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,” said Shay Zuelke, his girlfriend, in the WMTV15 News interview, expressing her sadness. I need to get my Frank back.

A GoFundMe campaign started by a family friend is still going strong, collecting money to assist with burial fees and other rehabilitation expenditures. The fundraising highlights the toll the disaster has taken on the Di Filippo-Schultz family, both financially and emotionally.

Luis, 75, had been married to Sandra for 48 years and was a lifelong and seasoned boater. During their journey, he had intended to create special memories with his grandsons. “I don’t think he knew the water levels were so high,” Lina said of her father during the Fox32Chicago News interview.

On April 5, 2025, authorities identified Luis’s body. Officials at the time cautioned anyone planning river activities to exercise caution because better weather could tempt more people into still-dangerous waters.

Officials warned boaters to check their anchor location, carry life jackets, and remain vigilant in the face of rapidly changing circumstances.

The family must now grieve and remember a young man whose life was full of hope, love, and a close link with a grandfather who loved him once Francesco was eventually returned home.

Recognize Him? Everyone Laughed at His Ballet Shoes But He Became a Legendary Actor Later

A peaceful little boy growing up in Brussels in the 1960s before he became well-known as a martial arts celebrity.

He wore thick glasses, was frequently ill, and tended to keep to himself, so he didn’t appear like someone who would become renowned.

He never really fit in with the other lads in the area and was teased by his peers because he was unusual.

However, beneath his reserved demeanor lay an unexpected enthusiasm that further distinguished him.

Most guys were interested in sports like soccer or wanted to be superheroes, but he fell in love with classical ballet, which was totally different.

At the age of ten, he began taking ballet lessons.

He trained with intense concentration and commitment; it wasn’t just for enjoyment.

He put a lot of effort into learning control, balance, and synchronization over the course of five years.

His safe haven was ballet, where elegance was valued above power.

He persisted despite the fact that other children made fun of him for wearing ballet shoes.

He was given the opportunity to perform with the Paris Opera Ballet, one of the most prestigious ballet organizations in the world, as a result of his hard work.

Ballet was actually helping him develop the power and ability that would eventually distinguish him, despite the common belief that it made him weak.

He developed greater control over his motions and his body grew faster and more flexible.

He learned how to be psychologically tough, focused, and composed under pressure from ballet.

His father enrolled his son in karate because he was concerned about his health.

What began as a means of fortifying him evolved into a new obsession.

Ballet lacked the physical strength that martial arts provided, and the combination of these two disciplines made him genuinely exceptional.

He maintained the same level of discipline in his training as he grew older.

After learning Shotokan karate and obtaining a black belt, he started competing.

After winning numerous competitions, he eventually rose to become Belgium’s national karate champion.

He maintained his soft side despite growing stronger.

His passion for classical music, particularly Beethoven, gave his future roles more nuance and heart.

He stood out from other action actors because of his unique blend of sensitivity and strength.

Hollywood was his next target.

He came to the United States with little money, virtually no English, and no connections in the film industry.

He chased his passion despite working a variety of jobs to make ends meet, including delivering pizzas, installing carpets, and working as a nightclub bouncer.

When he performed a spinning kick in front of a Los Angeles film producer, it was his lucky break.

He gained recognition for that one maneuver, which he had honed over years of practicing ballet and martial arts.

He was cast in the lead role of Bloodsport (1988), which soon became a cult classic.

A fighter who moved with the grace of a dancer and the strength of a warrior was something fresh for the audience.

His career took off after that.

He became a global action sensation thanks to movies like Kickboxer, Universal Soldier, Lionheart, and Timecop.

In addition to his combat prowess, fans admired the poise and poise he added to each scenario.

Once ridiculed for dancing in ballet shoes, the child went on to become a worldwide celebrity.

He demonstrated to the world that true power can also come from discipline, passion, and keeping loyal to oneself.

What is the name of that boy? Van Damme, Jean-Claude.

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