News

Two Ontario teens died after their canoe capsized on Skeleton Lake close to Huntsville, Ontario on Sunday, September 5^th, 2010.

Joey Silva, Brody Williamson and another friend, who was not identified, set out on Skeleton Lake in a canoe Sunday morning. The boat capsized after encountering strong winds, sending all three teens into the lake.

None of them were wearing PFDs and unfortunately Joey and Brody didn’t make it, reported Huntsville OPP.

The unidentified teen swam to shore and called 911, leading the OPP and Muskoka Lakes fire department to the scene.

When it was determined that the two other youths had not made it to shore, the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit and an OPP helicopter assisted in a search.

The bodies were recovered not far from where the canoe had capsized, police reported.

The three friends had been at Brody Williamson's cottage since Friday and were due to return home Labour Day.

According to Joey Silva’s girlfriend he had never been camping and canoeing before.

Flags will be flown at half-mast at all Niagara Catholic schools Monday until the day of the funeral.

Please remember to wear your PFD at all times when out in your canoe and remember that even though the air is warm, prolonged exposure and immersion in Ontario lakes can lead to hypothermia even in the summer.