Ottawa police confirmed that a two-year-old child died following a rescue at Remic Rapids near Kichi Zibi Mikan Parkway on Friday evening. Authorities were alerted shortly before 7 p.m. about a missing child in the area, prompting a rapid, coordinated search involving multiple units, including the neighbourhood resource team, marine dive team, air support, and assistance from Gatineau police.

Approximately 40 minutes after the initial report, air support personnel located the child in the Ottawa River. The child was immediately brought to shore, where paramedics administered lifesaving measures before transporting the child to a nearby hospital. Despite the medical interventions, the child was later pronounced dead.

Police described the incident as profoundly difficult for all involved, especially the first responders who conducted the search and rescue efforts. In a statement released Saturday, officials expressed condolences to the child’s family, loved ones, witnesses, and others affected by the tragedy.

As is standard procedure in cases involving the death of a young child, the homicide unit has taken lead on the investigation, working alongside the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Unit. Support services have been extended to both the child’s family and emergency personnel involved in the response.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.