Grief, relief as boy’s body found
The search for an 11-year-old Calgary boy swept away in the Yoho River came to an end Tuesday morning when RCMP found his body.
A spokesman for the family of Behzad Ahmad said the news was both hard to hear but also provided relief, ending an ordeal that began Friday night.
“It was a mixed reaction,” said family spokesperson Sultan Mahmood.
“On one hand they felt relieved that the body was found, and on the other hand, they were in grief, as whatever little hope that they had of his survival was gone.”
Ahmad was visiting Yoho National Park with his family on Friday evening when he fell into the river. He had been sitting on rocks when he slipped into the water.
Ahmad’s younger brother tried to grab Behzad, but he, too, fell into the water and was overpowered by the current. Their cousin then jumped into the water, and was able to rescue the younger Ahmad.
The cousin also tried to rescue Behzad, managing to grasp his hand before a rock in the water broke the two boys apart.
“Though they were very sad and upset, they were satisfied that they have found the body and will be able to carry out the funeral and say goodbye to him,” Mahmood said of the family.
Islamic tradition calls for bodies to be buried as quickly as possible after death. Mahmood says the family is hoping to hold the funeral at a local mosque after Friday prayers this week. Mahmood said the Muslim community, of which the family is part of, has been very supportive throughout the ordeal.
“They were responsive and supportive as if it was their own family members that were the victim,” said Mahmood.