Bodies of missing teens have been discovered after falling through the ice on Rideau River on December 27th. At 9:54pm on December 27th, Ottawa paramedics received a call about four teenagers who broke through the ice. Police said emergency crews were sent to Nicolls Island Road.

Two of the teenagers, a fifteen year old girl and seventeen year old boy, were able to get themselves out of the water immediately and went to find help. These teenagers were sent to CHEO to be treated for mild hypothermia but were otherwise unharmed. Police say firefighters, the Ottawa marine unit, and divers were sent out to find the other two missing teenagers. A surface and water search was conducted to find them.

One of the youths were found dead later that night. His family was notified and made statement to CBC. The search for the last of the four youths had to halt throughout the night due to difficult conditions and resumed the next afternoon.

A member of the Ottawa Police Service dive team was sent to the hospital due to a “dive related incident”. The diver was in serious but stable condition. Information about his injuries has not yet been released.

The body of the missing youth was discovered the next afternoon. Ottawa Police say that the body was found following an extensive search effort and released a statement at 9:55pm, December 28th.

Ottawa Police released the identity of one of the youths, Ahmed Ahmed. Identities of the others were confirmed by family, friends and Ontario’s Eastern Region Supervising Coroner’s Office. The second deceased was identified as Riley Cotter. Both were students at John McRae secondary school and Ahmed Ahmed was expected to attend a police foundation course following graduation.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss. This incident profoundly impacts us all, and our hearts go out to those who are grieving.,” the Ottawa Police Service said in a statement late Thursday, nearly an entire day after their initial press release.

A provincial police detachment sent out an advisory with ice safety reminders since the following incident. They warn to watch out for the thickness, look and colour of the ice before using it. Lifesaving Society Ontario has also released ice safety tips during this warmer than usual skating season.