15-year-old Male and 12-year-old Female Victims of Wabigoon River Incident

DRYDEN, ON – REGIONAL NEWS – Two youths tragically lost their lives in a drowning incident in Dryden’s Wabigoon River late Thursday afternoon, July 31, 2025.

Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers from the Dryden Detachment responded to an emergency call at approximately 4:10 p.m., after receiving reports of two young people seen entering the Wabigoon River who did not resurface.

Upon arrival, officers were joined by members of the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT), Dryden Fire Service, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), who immediately began a search-and-rescue operation.

Despite rapid response efforts, emergency personnel located and recovered the bodies of both youths from the river. The victims, identified only as a 15-year-old male and a 12-year-old female, were transported to hospital where they were subsequently pronounced deceased.

The identities of the victims are being withheld out of respect for their families during this profoundly difficult time.

The OPP has extended appreciation to members of the public who assisted emergency responders during the search and recovery effort.

Investigation Continues

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police are requesting the public’s assistance. Anyone with information that may aid investigators is urged to contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

NetNewsLedger extends condolences to the families, friends, and community members affected by this tragic event.