A 25-year-old man from Campbell’s Bay drowned at Otter Lake, Que., after going missing during a night swim. Investigation by Quebec police is ongoing.
Tragic Drowning at Popular Quebec Lake
A 25-year-old man from Campbell’s Bay was found drowned in Otter Lake, Que., on Sunday, July 13, following a night swim with friends that ended in tragedy. The Sûreté du Québec (SQ) confirmed the death and launched an investigation into the incident.
Group Swim Turns Fatal
The man had been swimming with a group of friends at Otter Lake on Saturday evening, July 12. According to police reports, the group lost sight of him around 9 p.m. as he attempted to swim to a floating platform in the lake. He was not wearing any flotation device at the time.
Emergency Response Activated
Friends quickly contacted emergency services when the man failed to resurface. SQ divers and search teams began the operation shortly after, continuing their efforts overnight and into the next day.
Body Recovered After Intensive Search
The man’s body was located around 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, approximately 16 hours after he was first reported missing. Authorities say he was found unresponsive and later transported to a nearby hospital where he was declared deceased.
Location and Risk Factors
Otter Lake, located roughly 80 kilometres northwest of Gatineau, is a popular recreation spot, especially during summer weekends. However, officials are reminding the public about the importance of water safety and the risks associated with swimming in natural bodies of water without proper flotation gear.
Ongoing Investigation
The Sûreté du Québec confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing to determine the precise circumstances surrounding the drowning. Authorities have not yet released the man’s identity out of respect for the family.