UPDATE: Body recovered in Oldman River drowning

UPDATE: The Lethbridge Police Service has confirmed that the body of a missing 17-year-old boy who they say drowned in the Oldman River has been found. 

At around 9 a.m. Thursday morning, members of the Lethbridge Fire and EMS Water Rescue Team found the teen’s body in the area he was last seen near the High Level Bridge. The boy’s body will now be taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Calgary. 

The LPS says there is no evidence to suggest foul play, but their investigation will stay active pending the results of an autopsy. 

Background: 

A search is underway for a 17-year-old boy presumed missing by the Lethbridge Police Service. The LPS says officers responded to a serious incident at around 7 p.m. Wednesday night, after a possible drowning was reported. 

Police say a 17-year-old boy tried to swim across the Oldman River, went under the water by the High Level Bridge, and did not resurface. 

The LPS deployed a drone and immediately started an aerial search while members of the Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services Dive Team launched a boat, equipped with sonar, to search the water. Additionally, a member of the Lethbridge and Area Search and Rescue Association was called in to help. 

By nightfall, the teen was not found, and the search was suspended, as LPS says the darkness made it unsafe for responders. 

However, search efforts resumed Thursday morning and are continuing. 

The LPS says they have interviewed several witnesses. Victim/Witness Services is supporting the boy’s family, and police note that at this time, there is no evidence to suggest foul play. 

A large section of the river valley near the High Level Bridge is cordoned off, and the community is asked to stay away to give responders space to work. 

Further updates will be provided once they are available.