Canal swim turns tragic
Main Street Bridge illuminated for Noah Watson
A late afternoon swim turned tragic this week when a youth disappeared while cooling off in the Welland Recreational Canal.
The young man, described by friends as a Grade 9 student at Notre Dame College School, was likely looking for a way to beat the unseasonably high heat Tuesday. According to social media accounts, Noah Watson went for a swim near the Lincoln Street Bridge.
In a post to Facebook, Cindy Lutz said her son’s friend was last seen at about 6:30 that night.
“Our worst nightmare is becoming reality,” she said in her comment shared amongst Wellanders.
On Wednesday afternoon, the worst had been confirmed.
“… breaks my heart to say this. Noah’s body was found,” she said on Facebook.
“Thank you to everyone for the prayers please keep them coming. Family and friends need the strength to get thru this tragedy.
Niagara Regional Police said a youth was reported missing Wednesday by his family after not returning home the night before.
Members of the NRP’s underwater search and rescue unit were called in to assist with the investigation and located the youth’s body near the bridge Wednesday.
Police have not released the name of the
deceased.
An autopsy has been scheduled to assist in determining the cause of death, police said in a news release.
“Hot weather is here and teenagers like to swim in the canal and jump off the bridge,” Lutz posted. “Do what you can to make sure your kids are not hanging out there, I know it’s hard. I hung out there, too, and hid it from my mom. But this is something no parent should ever have to go thru (sic).”
Shared via Facebook accounts Thursday was another posting.
“Main Street Bridge will be lit up red and green tonight for Noah Watson (followed by a red heart and green heart). Anyone who would like to come out and remember Noah, please feel free to join us at Lincoln Street bridge at 9 p.m. for a vigil. St Kevin’s Parish has generously donated candles #Lightitupredandgreen-fornoah.”