Coroner confirms body found in Ottawa River that of boy, 14

The regional coroner has confirmed that a body pulled from the Ottawa River is that of a 14-yearold boy who drowned near the Prince of Wales Bridge Friday.

The Ottawa Police Service said the body was recovered near Lemieux Island on Monday afternoon.

The coroner concluded the youth drowned. The victim’s name has not been released.

The City of Ottawa has for years been trying to block people from gaining access to the 140-year-old rail bridge, which was purchased by the city in 2004 as part of an O-Train expansion scheme to downtown Gatineau. Despite the city’s best efforts, people continue to find a way onto the dilapidated truss bridge.

Kevin Wylie, general manager of the public works and environmental services department, said Tuesday the city continues to take action to prevent trespassing at the Prince of Wales Bridge.

“Structures in place to prevent trespassing and protect public safety include signage, chains and fencing,” Wylie said. “In addition, city staff do daily patrols of the bridge, conduct regular inspections and ensure any repairs are completed promptly.”

Staff were on-site at the bridge over the weekend in order to examine the area and repair damage to the barriers. Access holes cut into the fence have now been repaired, Wylie said, noting metal plates have also been installed at the south and north entrances to the bridge.

Ottawa police continue to investigate the incident, which occurred at about 9:20 p.m. Friday. A group of young people had gathered on the bridge — a popular place to watch sunsets — and some were jumping into the river. The 14-year-old leaped into the water but did not resurface.

Police have warned the bridge is an unsafe walkway and a dangerous place from which to jump because of the swift current in that section of the river.