The summer sun had barely crested over the Wabigoon River last Saturday when tragedy struck in Ontario’s northwest corner. Provincial police are now investigating after two children drowned near Dryden, marking what locals describe as an “unspeakable loss” for the tight-knit community.
According to Ontario Provincial Police, emergency crews responded to a call shortly after 10 a.m. about two young children who had fallen into the Wabigoon River. Despite swift response from paramedics and firefighters, both children were pronounced dead at the scene.
“When something like this happens, especially involving young ones, it affects everyone from first responders to neighbours,” said Sergeant Kerry Schmidt, who confirmed details during a brief media availability yesterday. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Community members gathered spontaneously at the Dryden waterfront Sunday evening, leaving stuffed animals and handwritten notes at a makeshift memorial. Local resident Martha Keewatin, who attended the vigil, described the palpable grief hanging over the crowd.
“You could hear nothing but soft crying and the sound of the water,” Keewatin said. “Everyone knows everyone here. These children belonged to all of us in a way.”
The drowning occurred near a section of the river popular with local families during summer months. While typically considered safe for supervised recreation, recent heavy rainfall had caused water levels to rise significantly, creating stronger than normal currents according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, which represents 49 First Nations communities in Northern Ontario, issued a statement calling for improved water safety resources in remote regions.
“Far too many of our children have been lost to preventable drowning incidents,” Fiddler noted. “We need dedicated programs that respect traditional relationships with water while teaching essential safety skills.”
Statistics from the Lifesaving Society of Canada show drowning as the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths among Canadian children under 5, with Indigenous children at particularly high risk. Between 2018-2022, Northwestern Ontario recorded 17 drowning fatalities, with nearly a third involving minors.
Dryden Mayor Wilson stopped short of commenting on the specific circumstances surrounding Saturday’s tragedy out of respect for the ongoing investigation, but emphasized the town’s commitment to reviewing waterfront safety protocols.
“We’re looking at everything from signage to rescue equipment placement,” Wilson explained during an emergency council meeting. “One death is too many, and we must learn from this while supporting those affected.”
Local schools have made grief counsellors available, with Dryden’s elementary schools holding special assemblies Monday morning to help classmates process the loss. Teachers report creating “remembering spaces” where students can share memories or draw pictures for the families.
“Children process grief differently than adults,” noted Dr. Ellen Silverstein, a child psychologist consulting with area schools. “Some might ask direct questions, others might seem unaffected then have nightmares. We’re giving them age-appropriate ways to express what they’re feeling.”
The police investigation continues as officers work to piece together exactly how the children ended up in the water. Witnesses reported seeing the children near the riverbank shortly before the incident, but crucial details remain unclear.
The identities of the children have not been released publicly, though community members confirmed they were siblings under the age of 10. OPP indicated they’re working closely with family members, providing victim services support during the investigation.
This tragedy comes amid rising concerns about water safety across the province. The Lifesaving Society of Ontario recorded 31 drowning deaths between May and July this year, a 15% increase over the same period last year.
Barbara Byers, public education director with the Lifesaving Society, emphasized that water conditions can change rapidly, especially after weather events.
“Rivers that seem calm on the surface might have strong undercurrents,” Byers explained. “We recommend life jackets for all children near open water, even for experienced swimmers, and constant, arms-length supervision for young children.”
As the community mourns, practical support has materialized alongside the grief. A GoFundMe campaign organized by the Dryden Friendship Centre has raised over $27,000 to cover funeral expenses and support the bereaved family.
“In times like these, we come together,” said Elder Tom Kakegamic, who led a traditional ceremony at Monday’s vigil. “These little ones have gone back to the Creator too soon, but they’ve shown us how strong our community can be when we need each other most.”
For now, as investigators continue their work, Dryden residents are left balancing their grief with a renewed determination to prevent similar tragedies. The river that has sustained generations continues flowing past the growing memorial of teddy bears, flowers, and children’s drawings – a painful reminder of lives cut tragically short on its banks.
