Search began Monday night for international student from Brazil; body recovered Tuesday
An international student from Brazil attending Nackawic High School has drowned in the Shogomoc stream near the Shogomoc walking bridge outside Nackawic.
The Nackawic-Millville Rural Community’s mayor, council and staff expressed their shock and offered condolences in a social media post.
“It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the tragic and untimely passing of an international student from Nackawic High School. On behalf of the Nackawic-Millville Rural Community Council and all municipal staff, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, classmates, and educators affected by this heartbreaking loss.”
On Tuesday morning, June 17, the RCMP asked the public to avoid the Shogomoc walking bridge and surrounding areas near Nackawic in connection with an ongoing investigation. In the early afternoon, RCMP officers said people could return to the area as their operation had concluded.
A person close to the operation but not authorized to speak on behalf of the RCMP told the River Valley Sun that a young man’s body was recovered near noon on Tuesday. The search for the victim began on Monday night and was suspended after dark, resuming first thing Tuesday morning.
Nackawic High School Principal Sean Newlands notified students and their families in an email on Tuesday morning.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I share news of a tragic incident that has impacted our school community,” he wrote. “Last evening, one of our international students from Brazil, who had been studying at Nackawic High School this semester, was involved in a swimming incident in the area.”
Newlands noted that despite the efforts of people in the area at the time, the student’s body was not immediately recovered. The school had a care centre opened for students on Tuesday afternoon, adding that continued support will be available over the coming days.
Additional support for youth and adults is also available through the following services:
- One-at-a-Time Therapy (OATT):
- Fredericton 506-453-2132
- Woodstock: 506-325-4419
- Kids Help Phone:
- Call: 1-800-668-6868
- Text: 686868
Despite the tragedy, Nackawic High School will proceed with prom activities on Tuesday evening.
“It’s a delicate balance,” said one school official who did not want to be named. “We have to ensure students have the support, but you also know they will want to be together during this time, as well.”
