The family of an 11-year-old girl who died after falling in a spillway say they are devastated by the loss.
Jodi Hofer was found following an overnight search of the spillway near the RM of Woodlands, her family tells CTV News.
RCMP responded to the incident just before 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Jack Hofer, Jodi’s uncle, said three boys and two girls were trying to cross the spillway, when the currents swept them off. Hofer said Jodi fell in with his daughter, Aleda and another boy.
“Aleda, she was able to swim and hold herself against the current. One of the boys, Caleb, he grabbed her and pulled her out,” said Hofer. “[Caleb] had a string there, they were setting up traps, he had a string there with a piece of metal on there, which he truly tried to get Jodi, but she was in too far.”
Emergency crews were unable to locate the missing girl until around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Hofer said after community members became aware of the incident, everyone participated in a search. He said 50 to 60 people were in the water.
“We had about 5, 6 canoes, some motorboats. We had guys with life jackets, with vests, everybody pulling one heck of an effort. We were out there late at least maybe 10:15, 10:30 yesterday evening till it was pitch dark,” said Hofer. “And this morning, as soon as the sun was up, they were already out on the lake.”
For the community of 88 people, Hofer said, it was a devastating moment.
“Jodi wasn’t as fortunate as the other kids were, but we still thank the good Lord we found her,” said Hofer, holding back tears.
