Police say a young boy was found dead on a lake northwest of Edmonton on Saturday, hours after he and his father failed to return from kayaking.
Slave Lake RCMP say the father and son had provided a “planned route and estimated time of arrival,” but they did not return as scheduled.
Police were contacted around 6:18 p.m. and a search operation was launched. Mounties, firefighters and conservation officers deployed boats, drones and a helicopter.
Authorities say they found the kayak overturned.
“At approximately 9 p.m. the father was recovered safely a short distance from the overturned kayak. Tragically, the young boy was found deceased. Both individuals were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident; however, neither were able to swim.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking event.”
Slave Lake is about 250 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.