Ottawa police confirmed Saturday a two year-old child has died following a dramatic river rescue Friday evening.
In a release, police said they were called shortly before 7 p.m. on reports of a missing child in the area Remic Rapids nearthe Kichi Zibi Mikan Parkway.
“A coordinated search was immediately launched involving multiple Ottawa police resources,” including neighbourhood resource team, marine dive team, air support and assistance from the Gatineau Police Service.
Police said that the schild was spotted in the Ottawa River by police air support teams about 40 minutes after the initial call.
The child was brought to shore and paramedics began lifesaving efforts before the child was transported to hospital.
The child was later pronounced deceased at 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.”
Police said “as is standard practice in incidents involving the death of a young child, (the) homicide unit has 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.
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