Young boy kayaking with father dies in lake northwest of Edmonton: RCMP

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.