An 18-year-old whose body was pulled from the St. Lawrence River is being remembered by his mother as a gentle, kindhearted young man who was interested in studying art after high school.
Collins Obiagboso travelled from Ottawa to Montreal in late July to celebrate his 18th birthday and attend the Osheaga music festival. He met up with friends who were renting an Airbnb downtown before the weekend event.
One friend told CTV Montreal that Obiagboso left his cellphone and his wallet at the rental property before leaving for the event on Friday.
Obiagboso’s companions say he became separated from them in the crowds. His social media accounts had been inactive since Friday.
Longueuil Police found Obiagboso’s body on Monday, but were unable to release his identity until Tuesday evening.
Montreal police said they’re still investigating the cause of death.
Obiagboso’s mother, Georgina Mensa Boboe, said she’s still grappling with the loss.
“It’s still mind boggling to me that he’s not here anymore because he’s too young. He’s just too young,” she said.
“He was supposed to finish high school and go to university and graduate and make something out of his life. And the tragedy just took him away.”
Mensa Boboe described her son as a “very calm child” who didn’t like confrontations or bullies.
“He loves people, he loves being around people, he wants to make people laugh. He’s the type of person who could give you the shirt off his back,” she said.
Montreal Police spokesman Jean-Pierre Brabant said an autopsy will be performed in the coming days, that may give them a better idea of how Obiagboso died.
A spokesperson for the Osheaga music festival said there has never been a death on its festival grounds before. They said two non-profit groups assist the festival’s security team in patrolling the crowds to ensure everyone is safe.
With files from CTV Montreal
