EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect that Linda Kilfoyle entered the Bow River to rescue the dog.
Family members have identified the Calgary woman who died after going into the Bow River to rescue a dog that had fallen through the ice as 59-year-old Linda Kilfoyle, saying she was loved by all and put her life on the line for another person’s pet.
The family says Kilfoyle was a dogwalker and was trying to rescue a dog that had fallen into the Bow River on Feb. 18.
Police responded to the riverside near Ogden Road and 42 Avenue S.E. at about 2 p.m. for a check on welfare. Officers found a parked vehicle with footprints in the snow leading towards the water and a dog wandering on the river’s ice. The dog was brought to safety, police said.
Safety tips
The fire department said to keep a safe distance from riverbanks and lakeshores to avoid falling through the ice and advised against walking on ice-covered bodies of water.
If a person or an animal falls through the ice, call 911, the department said, adding that you should not try to rescue them yourself.
If you do fall in the water, try to control your breathing and keep your hands on the ice shelf as you call for help.
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