Ottawa police say the two-year-old who was rescued from the Ottawa River on Friday evening died in hospital.
An extensive rescue effort involving paramedics, police and firefighters from Ottawa and Gatineau was launched shortly before 7 p.m. after the toddler was reported missing near the Kichi Zibi Mikan.
Approximately 40 minutes later, the child was brought ashore. They were taken to the hospital in critical condition where they were later pronounced dead.
“Our hearts are with the child’s family, loved ones, witnesses, and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident,” police wrote in a Saturday morning new release.
“This was an incredibly difficult call for everyone involved, including the first responders who worked tirelessly in the search-and-rescue efforts.”
Paramedics say emergency crews attended near the Chief William Commanda Bridge, but the operation moved along the Ottawa River.
Gatineau firefighters say a drone, an airplane and more than four boats were used to assist in the water rescue. Police officers also kept watch along the riverbank. The Ottawa Police Air Support Unit ultimately helped locate the child.
“As is standard practice in incidents involving the death of a young child, the Ottawa Police Service’s Homicide Unit has carriage of the investigation, alongside the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit,” police wrote.
“Support services have been made available for the child’s family and the emergency personnel involved in the response.”
Ottawa police say a preliminary investigation finds the incident was likely an accident.
“Right now, it’s deemed an accident and the child was playing near the water. That’s all the details that we are releasing right now,” said Insp. Brian Samuel with the Ottawa Police Service.
Samuel says the water levels of the Ottawa River are very high and there are dangerous currents.
“Unfortunately, it is a time of year when we do see a lot of drownings along the waterways. The water levels are extremely high this year. We know that with the amount of flooding that is happening… and what people don’t understand is the undertow and the currents and how fast they are,” he said.
“It’s best to stay away from the water’s edge. It’s very calm on the surface, but it’s very dangerous.”
Police are asking any witnesses of the event to come forward.
“We offer condolences to the family members of all involved. Also, it’s important to know that this is a very difficult call for our officers to attend as well,” he said.
“It’s Mother’s Day weekend. It’s a weekend where we are supposed to be celebrating our moms, it’s not supposed to be moms mourning the loss of a family member. It’s tragic for so many reasons.”
With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Natalie van Rooy
