Police say one person has been found dead and another is still missing after they were seen going through the ice in the northern Ontario community of Temiskaming Shores over the weekend.
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Ontario Provincial Police say someone reported seeing two people go through the ice at Pete’s Dam Park on Sunday afternoon, setting off a search that involved emergency response as well as underwater search and recovery units.
They say the search for the second person continues and are asking people to avoid the area during the investigation.
OPP have not identified the pair but social media posts and a GoFundMe have named them as Christian Bergeron and his daughter Maya, who is a twin.
According to the GoFundMe campaign, Christian “tragically lost his life while trying to save his daughter Maya.”
“In an act of incredible love and courage, Christian attempted to rescue Maya from a dangerous situation at Pete’s Dam, a place that was close to their hearts.”
The OPP reported Sunday that officers were investigating the disappearance of Christian Bergeron and his daughter, Maya, a Grade 6 student, near Pete’s Dam Park, about an hour south of Kirkland Lake.
Both were taken away by the current, resulting in an “indescribable loss” for their family, the page said.
Maya, a Grade 6 student, was described as a loving child with the gift of laughter and curiosity.
“Maya’s lighthearted nature and joyful presence brought so much happiness to everyone she met. Her twin sister, Ava, will forever hold their special connection close to her heart,” the page said.
Christian was also a father to sons Matthew and Philip, who he shared along with the twin girls with Beverly Rae, and stepson Liam, and was engaged to Miranda Mariott.
As of Thursday morning, the GoFundMe has raised more than $26,000.