David Thalman’s coworkers said the 20-year-old had already built a reputation for discipline, ambition and dependable client service.
LAKE BLUFF, Ill. — Coworkers at a suburban Chicago real estate office are mourning a young colleague whose promising career ended when he and his girlfriend died during a kayaking trip near Wisconsin’s Washington Island.
David Thalman, 20, of Dundee, and Francesca Warick, 20, of South Elgin were found Monday in Lake Michigan after an extensive search. Wisconsin authorities said the two had gone kayaking Saturday and did not return. Investigators have not released further details about what caused the deaths.
Jane Lee, broker-owner of a RE/MAX office in Lake Bluff, said she hired Thalman soon after he finished high school. He began in an inside-sales position, making calls, arranging appointments and speaking with clients. Within about a year, Lee promoted him to transaction manager.
In that position, Thalman helped coordinate home sales from contract to closing. His work included communicating with clients and keeping track of inspections, appraisals and other steps in a transaction. Lee said his confidence, reliability and focus made him stand out despite his age.
Thalman had chosen to enter the workforce rather than attend college, Lee said. She recalled that he arrived at the office with a clear goal of learning the real estate business and building a long-term career. His plan was to spend several years mastering different parts of the industry before becoming a full-time real estate agent.
Lee said clients regularly praised Thalman’s professionalism, and his coworkers trusted him with important responsibilities. She described him as punctual, ethical and quick to respond when colleagues needed help. His background as a high school football player also appeared to shape his disciplined approach to work, she said.
Thalman remained in contact with the office while away with family near Washington Island, where his family had a summer cabin. Lee said she tried reaching him Saturday after several offers were submitted on a property. His failure to respond was unusual because he normally answered messages almost immediately.
At first, Lee believed poor cellphone service or an outdoor activity might explain the silence. By Sunday morning, she had grown concerned. Thalman’s mother later contacted the office and told staff members that he and Warick were missing after going kayaking.
Recovery crews found Thalman’s body at about 10:55 a.m. Monday and located Warick a short time later. Washington Island police, the Door County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, several fire departments and local volunteers participated in the operation.
Lee said the news devastated the office and prompted calls from clients who had worked with Thalman. She said colleagues had expected him to continue advancing in the profession and believed he had the skills and determination to build a successful career.
The Door County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the kayaking incident. Authorities have not announced what caused the pair to disappear or released final findings on their deaths.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 6, 2026.