Young mom and 5-month-old infant die in tragic incident at Comox Lake: RCMP

Comox Valley RCMP have confirmed that a young mother and her infant have died after a tragic incident at Comox Lake Thursday.

At 1:34 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, emergency crews responded to a “tragic incident near Comox Lake where a tree fell on a 26-year-old woman and her 5-month-old child,” states Const. Monika Terragni, spokesperson for Comox Valley RCMP.

Comox Valley RCMP, BCEHS and the Cumberland Fire Department all responded to the incident.

“Despite the efforts of first responders, the young mother passed away at the scene. The infant was transported to hospital but sadly did not survive,” states Terragni.

Comox Valley RCMP says it will be working with BC Coroners Service investigate and “determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.”

Based on initial evidence, criminality is not suspected.

“Out of respect for the family, and given the sensitive nature of this loss, no further details will be released. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected and thank the bystanders who stepped in to help under heartbreaking circumstances,” states Terragni.

Dep. Chief Stephane Dionne of the Cumberland Fire Department says his team responded to the incident.

“We were responding to a critical trauma on the beach yesterday from a tree falling a woman and her infant. When we arrived on scene, both patient were receiving CPR from a bystander in that location,” says Dionne.

Cumberland Fire took over the scene and began CPR until BCEHS arrived.

“Three ambulances showed up to take over and we assist them. We provide CPR and anything they required to do the job. After that the infant was transported to Comox Hospital,” said Dionne.

BCEHS says one patient was brought to the hospital in critical condition.

The scene was then turned over to RCMP and the incident remains under investigation.

Dionne says the first responder was a summer worker at the nearby campground.

“And in that kind of situation…Especially the first responder that made contact – they are an employee of the campground — they were people working for a summer job and not used to being exposed to this kind of scenario,” Dionne said.

He adds that these types of responses are hard on all first responders, regardless of training or previous experience.

“Any response when you’ve got a young mother and an infant especially around that age is really hard for any first responder not just the fire fighters but also for ambulance. We are all parents and it’s not an easy scenario to go through your minds,” said Dionne.

Dionne added that the team is debriefing the scenario and using resources to deal with the situation.

Thursday night, the Lake Park Society & Cumberland Lake Park Campground, posted a community notice that in light of the tragic incident at the Lake Park, the planned Music Night and Movie Night have been cancelled for the weekend.

“In the meantime, we are sending our LPS staff first aiders, emergency response teams —and the families involved—our deepest care, love, and compassion. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the well-being of our staff and the community,” stated the online note from LPS.