MONTREAL – Search efforts for an 18-year-old student who fell into the Rivière des Prairies in Montreal have been suspended, authorities confirmed Friday. The young man was one of two individuals who entered the water on Thursday, prompting a rapid response from emergency services. Whereas one man was rescued, the search for the student proved unsuccessful despite extensive efforts, leading to the difficult decision to halt active searching as darkness fell and conditions deteriorated.
The incident occurred in the borough of Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, a predominantly residential area in Montreal’s northeast end. The initial call to emergency services came in around 4:30 PM Thursday, according to the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM). The SPVM’s marine unit, along with firefighters, conducted a thorough search of the river, utilizing boats and sonar equipment. The conditions on the river, including the cold water temperature and the time of year, significantly hampered the search.
The identity of the 18-year-old student has not been officially released by authorities, though reports from Le Journal de Montréal indicate he was a student at a local CEGEP (college). The second individual who fell into the water was successfully rescued and transported to a hospital for observation. His condition is currently unknown. The circumstances leading to both individuals entering the river remain under investigation.
Concerns Over Ice Conditions
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of walking on or near frozen bodies of water during the current cold snap. 98.5 FM Montréal reported that authorities had issued warnings earlier in the week regarding the unpredictable ice conditions on rivers and lakes throughout the region. Fluctuating temperatures and recent snowfall have created hazardous conditions, making it difficult to determine the ice’s thickness, and stability.
“The ice is not safe,” a spokesperson for the SPVM stated in a press conference Friday morning. “We strongly advise residents to stay away from the edges of rivers and lakes, and to never venture onto the ice unless it has been officially declared safe by local authorities.” The SPVM is urging anyone who witnesses someone in distress on the ice or in the water to immediately call 911.
Search Efforts and Suspension
The search for the missing student involved a coordinated effort between the SPVM’s marine unit, firefighters, and aerial surveillance. Divers were deployed to search the deeper sections of the river, while boats patrolled the surface. Yet, the murky water and strong currents made visibility extremely limited. Radio-Canada reported that the search was hampered by the dropping temperatures and the increasing risk to the search and rescue teams.
The SPVM announced the suspension of the search at approximately 8:00 PM Thursday evening. “Due to the deteriorating conditions and the lack of any sign of the missing person, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the active search,” said SPVM spokesperson Isabelle Gendron. “We will reassess the situation in the coming days and resume the search if new information becomes available.”
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The disappearance of the young student has deeply affected the local community. Friends and family have taken to social media to express their grief and offer support. A vigil is being planned for the coming days, though details have not yet been finalized. The CEGEP the student attended has offered counseling services to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
The SPVM continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators are interviewing witnesses and reviewing security footage in an attempt to determine how the two individuals ended up in the river. La Presse reports that authorities are not ruling out any possibilities at this time.
What’s Next
The SPVM has indicated that they will continue to monitor the river and will resume the search if conditions improve or if new information emerges. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the SPVM at 911. The focus now shifts to supporting the family of the missing student and providing resources to the community. The SPVM is expected to provide an update on the investigation early next week.
This is a developing story. If you or someone you recognize is struggling with grief or emotional distress, please reach out for aid. The Canadian Mental Health Association offers a range of resources and support services: https://cmha.ca/. You can also call 988 in Canada to connect with a crisis counselor.
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