Ottawa police confirmed Saturday that a two-year-old child has died following a dramatic river rescue on Friday evening. The incident occurred near Remic Rapids Park along Kichi Zibi Mikan Parkway.
Paramedics were called at approximately 7 p.m. Friday after reports of a missing child in the area. A coordinated search was immediately launched involving multiple Ottawa police resources, including the neighbourhood resource team, marine dive team, air support, and assistance from the Gatineau Police Service.
Police reported that the child was spotted in the Ottawa River by air support teams about 40 minutes after the initial call. The child was brought to shore, and paramedics began lifesaving efforts before transporting the child to hospital. The child was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.
“Our hearts are with the child’s family, loved ones, witnesses, and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident,” police said in a release Saturday. “This was an incredibly difficult call for everyone involved, including the first responders who worked tirelessly in the search-and-rescue efforts.”
As is standard practice in incidents involving the death of a young child, the homicide unit has taken carriage of the investigation, alongside the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit. Support services have been made available for the child’s family and personnel involved in the response. The investigation remains ongoing.
