2 youths dead after snowmobiles fall through ice on Lake Muskoka: OPP

Two youths have died after snowmobiles went through the ice on Lake Muskoka, police say.

Bracebridge OPP say shortly after midnight Monday morning, five people riding three snowmobiles went through the ice and into the water on Lake Muskoka.

Police say three people, a 31-year-old man from Bracebridge, a 37-year-old man from Gravenhurst and a 14-year-old youth from Gravenhurst were able to make it to shore.

Officers say emergency services retrieved an 11-year-old youth and a 15-year-old youth from the lake and transported them to hospital, however, lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.

Police have identified the deceased as 15-year-old Alexander Martin from Gravenhurst and 11-year-old Mitchell Paris from Bracebridge.

A GoFundMe page has been started for Martin, to help his family cover the costs of a funeral.

The page describes Martin as a sweet, loving and kind boy with a “funny soul” who was “basketball crazed.”

A second GoFundMe page has been started to help Paris’ family cover funeral expenses.

The page, started by a family friend, says the boys’ families have been left “trying to pick up the pieces.”

The Trillium Lakelands District School Board issued a statement following the tragedy.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two of our students. Special counselling services have been available at the schools these students attended and will continue to be available throughout the week and longer, if needed,” the statement reads. “A letter sent home to parents at the affected schools encourages open discussion with children about feelings, stressing that any reaction to the death of a peer is normal in the grieving process. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy.”

According to a post on Facebook, a joint funeral will be held for the boys this Friday in Gravenhurst.