A summer afternoon near Comox Lake turned tragic when a falling tree killed a young mother and her infant child.
Just before 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 31st, emergency crews responded to reports of a tree falling on two people at the lake’s beach area.
According to Cumberland Deputy Fire Chief Stephane Dionne, bystanders had already begun performing CPR on the 26-year-old woman and her 5-month-old child by the time emergency crews arrived.
Despite the efforts of paramedics and firefighters, the mother was pronounced dead at the scene. The infant was rushed to hospital in critical condition but sadly did not survive.
BC Emergency Health Services confirmed that three ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
Comox Valley RCMP say there is no indication of criminality and are now working with the BC Coroners Service to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
The area where the incident occurred is part of a well-used recreational site that draws locals and tourists throughout the summer.
In a message posted shortly after the incident, Cumberland Mayor Vickey Brown urged people to avoid the area to allow first responders and investigators the space they need to do their work.
“As you’ve heard there has been a serious incident out at the lake park,” she wrote. “Sending both our emergency response teams and the family involved strength, love and compassion.”
Police say no further details will be released out of respect for the grieving family. They also extended their heartfelt condolences to all those affected and thanked the bystanders who tried to help.
