Southeastern Manitoba man drowned Christmas Eve while clearing snow from pond

A tragic incident occurred on Christmas Eve in a rural community southeast of Winnipeg, where a 58-year-old man from Manitoba lost his life in a drowning accident. The man was operating a skid-steer loader to clear snow from a pond on his property in the Rural Municipality of Ste. Anne when the vehicle fell through the ice at around 1:30 p.m.

Firefighters and emergency divers worked tirelessly for three hours to recover the man from the icy waters. Jean-Claude Normandeau, the fire chief for the neighboring municipality of La Broquerie, stated that the man was inside the skid-steer when it plunged into the pond.

In a collaborative effort, the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART) was called in to assist in the recovery mission. HEART deployed a diver into the pond to locate the man. The skid-steer was found upright at the bottom of the pond, but the man was no longer inside the cab. The diver discovered the man’s body approximately 10 meters away from the skid-steer.

Paul Maendel, who coordinates the dive team, expressed the somber reality of their work, stating that all their calls involve fatalities, indicating the lack of hope for a positive outcome. The RCMP confirmed the tragic death of the property owner, leaving his family devastated.

Approximately 18 emergency response personnel, including the man’s family, were present during the search operation. The emotional toll on the family and the community was palpable, as they grappled with the sudden loss during the holiday season.

In light of this heartbreaking incident, Roberto Hiebert, a councillor from the nearby municipality of Hanover, emphasized the need for privacy and compassion for the grieving family. He acknowledged the profound impact this tragedy would have on the family and the community.

Paul Maendel issued a cautionary reminder to the public, urging individuals to exercise extreme caution when driving vehicles on ice. He highlighted the importance of assessing ice conditions and being aware that it can vary beneath the snow layer, especially with fluctuating weather patterns.

As we mourn the loss of a life in this unfortunate accident, let us take heed of the lessons learned and prioritize safety when navigating icy terrains. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time.