Humboldt, Saskatchewan – The town of Humboldt, with around 6,000 residents, faced a tragic day on Saturday as three individuals, including a child, lost their lives after falling through the ice on Humboldt Lake. Mayor Michael Behiel expressed profound sadness at the loss of three lives in the tight-knit community. The incident occurred at Humboldt Lake, also known as Stoney Lake, located approximately 115 kilometers east of Saskatoon. The Saskatchewan Coroners Service confirmed the identities of the deceased as a seven-year-old girl and two men aged 28 and 38.
When reports came in to the RCMP about multiple individuals falling through the ice at the lake around 2:20 p.m. CST on Saturday, first responders rushed to the scene. Tragically, only three out of the five people who fell through the ice were recovered initially. The young girl was pronounced dead on-site, while two other individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital. The bodies of the two men were later recovered by an RCMP recovery team.
Shelby Rushton, the provincial CEO of the Lifesaving Society, described the news as a stark reminder of the dangers of unsafe ice conditions. With only two weeks of cold weather, the thickness of the ice is not sufficient to support activities on the lake. Mayor Behiel echoed the call for caution and adherence to water safety rules, emphasizing the importance of respecting signs and avoiding unsafe ice conditions.
Rushton highlighted the rarity of drowning incidents at this time of year, noting that while near misses are common, fatalities are uncommon. She stressed the importance of calling 911 if someone falls through the ice, as attempting a rescue oneself can pose further risks. The RCMP, treating the incident as non-criminal, announced that no further information regarding the identities of those involved would be disclosed, leaving the coroner’s office to conduct investigations into the tragic deaths.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the community of Humboldt mourned the loss of three individuals and reflected on the crucial need for awareness and caution around icy waters. The tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable dangers posed by thin ice and the importance of following safety guidelines to prevent further tragedies.