UPDATE

Shortly before 5:20 p.m. this evening, October 28, 2025, members of the OPP Search and Recovery Team located the body of the 68-year-old, man under water near the rapids where the original incident occurred.

Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. His name will not be released out of respect for the family’s wishes.

We would like to thank the Ontario Provincial Police for its assistance with this matter.

 

ORIGINAL

Around 4:25 p.m. on October 27, 2025, officers were dispatched to Wanapitei River in the area of Highway 537 and Estaire Road in relation to a missing person. Information provided was that two individuals were in a small aluminum boat near the rapids when the boat tipped causing one of the individuals to fall out of the boat.

Greater Sudbury Fire and Paramedic Services arrived on scene. Member of GSFS Water Rescue entered the water while paramedics deployed the Argo to drive the shoreline. Upon arrival, members of our Search and Rescue Unit launched our boat and began searching the area. Additional officers, including our K9 Unit attended for a ground search while our Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operator conducted an aerial search.

Search efforts continued throughout the night; however the 68-year-old, man was not located. 

Today, October 28, 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Search and Recovery Team and helicopter will be assisting with the search efforts throughout the day. Members of our Search and Rescue Team, K9 Unit and Patrol Operations will continue with the extensive ground search.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Greater Sudbury Fire and Paramedic Services for the search efforts and assistance during the initial response to this incident.

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