Two teenagers are dead after four teens fell through the ice on the Rideau River in the south Ottawa suburb of Manotick on Wednesday night.
The Ottawa Paramedic Service says they were called to Nicolls Island Road around 9:30 p.m. The service says that two of the teenagers, a 15-year-old girl and 17-year-old boy, were able to get themselves out of the river before they arrived.
Both youths were taken to hospital and treated for mild hypothermia. The paramedic service says both are in stable condition.
Ottawa police say they were called to the scene at 9:45 p.m. Their initial press release said 11:45 p.m.
According to police, the two other teens, aged 16 and 17 years old, remained missing and were believed to be in the water.
The police marine unit and fire crews began to search the area and found the body of one of the missing teens.
Police said late Thursday night that body of a second deceased youth had been found “following an extensive search effort.”
During the search, the paramedics had to help a member of the Ottawa Police Service dive team. They say there was a “dive related emergency” and the rescuer was in serious but stable condition. The paramedic service has not shared information of the specific nature of the emergency or injuries.
Police say they’ve offered supports to the families and loved ones affected.
“This incident profoundly affects us all, and our hearts go out to those who are grieving,” the Ottawa Police Service said in a statement late Thursday.
At least four other people have died after falling through ice-covered waterways across Canada over the past week.