On Aug. 2 at 7:10 p.m., officers from the Nipissing West (Sudbury) Detachment of the OPP and Sudbury Emergency Medical Services responded to a report of a possible drowning in Halfway Lake at the Halfway Lake Provincial Park, Antrim Township.
Investigation revealed a group of seven people went out on Halfway Lake at approximately 6 p.m. Three men were in one canoe, two men in another canoe and two kayaks had sole occupants.
Approximately one hour later, one of the kayaks capsized. At this time, one of the three men in the canoe jumped in the water to assist his friend.
As he jumped out, the canoe overturned, sending the other two people into the water. One of the men went under water and was subsequently located by one of his friends in a semi-conscious state. The victim was taken to shore and then transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The deceased has been identified as 23-year-old Rishabh Shah from Sudbury.
All seven individuals were not wearing a life jacket nor did they have any life jackets or life saving equipment on board. Alcohol was not involved.
A post mortem examination has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The investigation is ongoing under the direction of the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OCC-OFPS). Foul play is not suspected.
