CALGARY – Athletes competing in an Ironman competition at Auburn Bay Lake and the community as a whole are mourning the drowning death of a seven-year-old boy Friday night.
EMS said the boy, named Caleb, was unconscious when he was taken out of the water at around 7 p.m.
“Bystanders were performing CPR,” said EMS spokesperson Naomi Nania.
“When we got there he was in critical condition. We were very close to the South Campus Hospital so we transported him there and unfortunately he did succumb to his injuries,” she added.
According to witnesses, the boy was part of a large group celebrating a birthday.
When he and another boy were called in for dinner, his friend made it to shore but he did not.
The lake was closed immediately following the incident, and remained closed Saturday out of respect for the family.
The drowning has shaken the southeast community.
Many left flowers at the lake.
“I hope the family can handle this,” said one woman.
The Auburn Bay Residents Association does not provide supervision or lifeguards at the lake.
“The lake is use at your own risk,” said Gisele Danis of Brookfield Residential.
“There are life jackets and mandatory rules to follow for any of the equipment and the safety equipment is available throughout the park,” she added.
Ironman athletes competing at the lake Sunday wore blue wristbands in honour of the boy.
They also held a moment of silence and released blue balloons.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the boy’s family. You can donate by visiting GoFundMe.com/giveforCaleb.
WATCH: Sarah Offin reports from Auburn Bay Lake
Comments