The victim of a drowning in the Peterborough, Ont., on Sunday night has been identified as an international student attending Fleming College in the city.
According to the Peterborough Police Service, around 8:30 p.m. emergency crews responded to a 911 call for help off Turtle Island in the Otonabee River near the London Street bridge and just up from a generating station plant on the river.
Police say a 19-year-old man had entered the river but had failed to resurface.
Peterborough Fire Services deployed two rescue boats while police officers used a drone to search the river, according to police.
About an hour later, the victim was located by firefighters. Police say life-saving measures were started and continued by paramedics. However, the victim was pronounced dead at Peterborough Regional Health Centre.
“Next of kin have been notified,” police stated Monday morning. “The deceased had just recently arrived in Peterborough as an international student and was attending Fleming College.”
'Immense tragedy'
In a statement issued Monday afternoon, Fleming College said it offers its “deepest condolences” to the student’s family, friends and classmates. College president Maureen Adamson said the entire college community is “devastated” by the death.
“We off our condolences to the family, friends and all who are impacted by this terrible tragedy,” she said.
The college says it will be providing supports in the wake of the “immense tragedy.”
“Counselling services are available to all students and staff,” the college stated. “We will also have counsellors directly supporting the student’s friends and classmates throughout the week, and in the weeks to come.
“We would like to thank the first responders with Peterborough’s emergency services for their efforts and assistance during this time.”