Southern Ont. couple in their 20s drowned after canoe capsized

Two drowned after canoe capsized in the northeast OPP underwater search and recovery crews are looking for a person that went missing after a canoe capsized near North Bay leaving one dead.

Police have identified the two victims who drowned when a canoe capsized in northeastern Ontario after finding the missing second body.

A couple from southern Ontario -- 25-year-old Stephanie Imeson from Chatham-Kent and 27-year-old Derek Comartin from Stony Point -- died after a canoe they were in with two others capsized in Le Grou Lake in East Mills Township on Aug. 30.

The two survivors were able to swim to shore while one of the bodies was found by neighbouring cottagers and given CPR. The person was later pronounced decease by medical professionals.

OPP's underwater search and recovery crew found the body of the second victim.

OPP Const. Rob Lewis told CTV News neither of the victims were found with a lifejacket.

An investigation being led by the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service is continuing.

Madison Hope told CTV News she has been friends with Imeson since Grade 5 and is devastated by the loss.

Hope gushed about her friendly lovingly.

"She definitely was a huge inspiration to have as a friend. Her heart was wild, fierce, kind and feeling. Such a beautiful person she was," she said.

"Stephanie was one who would help anyone. She would give anyone the clothes off of her back. She was so graceful and peaceful to be around. Every time I was with her, she took all my worries away! Plus, she was hilarious! Although super shy, once she got going she was a riot to be around!"

Hope said Imeson and Comartin had been together for seven or eight years.

"He was her main! I want to say it was her first love and she was going to be with him forever," she added.

"I just wish people to know how down to earth they were. They were animal lovers galore with their pups and pigs they had. They both lived their lives in such free spirits and appreciated what they had. They were just such caring, loving, laid-back people."

Imeson is described by her friend as a hard worker who loved her job at the Stoney Point convenience store.

"They both worked so hard to achieve what they had. I know she did not get much time off from work," Hope said.

"They both can be at peace now and live peacefully and gracefully in heaven."