The search for a missing three-year-old girl in the Binbrook Conservation Area south of Hamilton has ended in tragedy.
In a tweet just before 10 p.m. Saturday, Hamilton police said Zahra Ousmane had been located and was transported to hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
“Our hearts go out to her family on their tragic loss,” police said.
About two hours earlier, police had asked for the public’s help in locating Ousmane and posted a photo of the girl with her description.
In a media release, Hamilton police said the girl’s family contacted them to report her missing at around 6:18 p.m. on Saturday.
“Zahra was found in the water by kayakers around 7:50 p.m. and transported to hospital,” police said.
Officers said they did not believe the death was suspicious and are appealing to the public for witnesses who may be able to piece together the hours of 5 to 7:50 p.m. when they believe the girl was missing.
— with files from Global News’ Isaac Callan