Ottawa Police Are Looking For Witnesses To The Drowning Of A 2-Year-Old Boy

Ottawa Police are turning to the public for help. The investigation into a Petrie Island drowning involving a child needs witnesses. Anyone with information is urged to come forward.

In a June 19 news release, the Ottawa Police Service wrote that they wanted to speak to anyone who was on Petrie Island on June 16 that may have information regarding the tragic death of a two-year-old boy.

Those with information are asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit Tip Line at 613-236-1222 ext. 5760.

They can also send an email to mcm@ottawapolice.ca.

If witnesses would like to submit any tips anonymously, they can do so by contacting Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477.

Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website.

Ottawa first responders, including fire and paramedics, were called to Petrie Island on June 16 at around 5:30 PM in response to a missing child.

The boy was eventually found by Ottawa Fire Water rescue, however he had no vital signs upon being located.

Although he was rushed to the hospital, the boy was pronounced dead after attempted medical interventions.

The Ottawa Police later confirmed in a tweet that the boy had drowned. 

The Ottawa Police offered their condolences to the family. They also extended thanks to members of the public who had been part of the search effort before authorities arrived on the scene.

As per police policy, the sudden death of a child under the age of five warrants a full police investigation.

Petrie Island is a large parkland and conservation area. It has two large beaches that are open to the public and supervised from Victoria Day through the third week of August.

Lifeguards monitor the beaches from noon to 7:00 PM, seven days a week during the summer season.