Six-year-old dies after being found in water near Mooney’s Bay

The Rideau River near Mooney's Bay on Friday, May 29. (Tyler Fleming/CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa police say a six-year-old child died after being found in the water near Mooney’s Bay on Thursday evening.

According to a news release from police, the child was reported missing near Riverside Drive and Hog’s Back Road at approximately 5:10 p.m.

The child was later found in the waters of the Rideau River and brought to shore where bystanders began lifesaving efforts.

Ottawa Paramedic Service spokesperson Marc-Antoine Deschamps says paramedics were called to the scene around 5:30 p.m. The child was in cardiac arrest and paramedics attempted resuscitation, but the child was later pronounced dead in hospital.

“Our thoughts are with the child’s family, loved ones, witnesses, and all those affected by this heartbreaking incident,” Ottawa police said in a statement.

“Support services have been made available to the child’s family and the emergency personnel involved in the response.”

In a post on social media, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said he is “devastated to hear of the tragic loss of a six-year-old child in Ottawa this evening.”

“My thoughts are with the family, loved ones, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking event,” Sutcliffe said.

The Ottawa Police Service says an investigation is underway.

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