Cousin tried to save boy lost in Yoho River
Uncle describes rescue of victim’s brother from powerful current
The uncle of a Calgary boy swept away by the Yoho River on Friday says his own 14-year-old son made a desperate attempt to rescue his cousin, but was overwhelmed by the powerful current.
Parks Canada and RCMP are still searching for Behzad Ahmad, who has been missing since he fell into the Yoho River around 7:20 p.m. on Friday. Behzad was visiting Yoho National Park with his family at the time.
The boy’s uncle, Dawood Sobhi, said Behzad was sitting on the rocks by the water when he slipped into the river. The boy’s brother tried to grab him, but he, too, fell into the water and was overpowered by the current.
“When he fell, my son jumped in to try and save them and brought Behzad’s younger brother to safety,” said Sobhi, speaking in Urdu.
“By that time, Behzad had already gone quite some distance. My son rushed to him and grabbed his hand, but there was a big rock between them and when their hands hit it, their hands came loose.”
Sobhi described Behzad as a kind-hearted and brave boy, who always smiles when he talks and is very popular with his peers.
Sultan Mahmood, a spokesperson for the boy’s family, said Behzad’s relatives are managing to cope with the situation with the help of the local Muslim community.
“The past two days ... has been pretty tough for them, and it’s been tough for the entire community, as well,” said Mahmood.
“Many people are visiting them ... giving them moral support, spending time with them and trying to console them.”
He said a large number of people from the Muslim community expressed a desire to volunteer in the search, but the RCMP ultimately said the terrain is too dangerous and difficult to traverse for unequipped and untrained people.
Meanwhile, Sobhi said he is thankful that his own son is safe after the incident. The 14-year-old isn’t an experienced swimmer and struggled to make it back to safety after trying to save Behzad.
“Parks Canada and RCMP, they explain everything and have been a big support. They tell us everything, small or big, what has happened today and what their plan will be tomorrow,” said Sobhi, thanking the agencies for supporting the family though the difficult time.
Parks Canada said Sunday night the search is being scaled back after ground and aerial searches Friday through Sunday, but will continue to monitor the area.