Medicine Hat Police confirm death of child involved in incident at Echo Dale Regional Park

MHPS states that no further details are being released out of respect for the privacy of the child and the family.

An 11-year-old boy was taken to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital in the afternoon on Monday, June 15, following an incident at Echo Dale Regional Park, resulting in the park’s closure and an investigation by the Medicine Hat Police Service.

Police said officers responded at about 2:17 p.m. to a report of a missing child at the park. The boy was located at about 3:30 p.m. at the bottom of the lake by firefighters, and he was then transported by EMS, and the family was notified.

Staff Sgt. Darren Lole told the Canadian Press that officers, school officials and park staff searched the area and drones were used to look over the large lake in the park.

He says the boy was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The City of Medicine Hat announced on Monday afternoon that Echo Dale Regional Park had been closed until further notice due to the incident, and it will remain closed while the investigation continues.

HALO-1 was dispatched by HALO Air Ambulance to assist police with a search-and-rescue mission at the park.

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READ: Child has been taken to hospital as police investigate Echo Dale Regional Park incident (June 15, 2026)

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MEDICINE HAT PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION

Medicine Hat Public School Division Acting Superintendent Cody Edwards confirmed Tuesday that the child who died was a student in the Medicine Hat Public School Division at Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Centre.

He declined to provide further details about the student’s grade or the circumstances of the incident, citing respect for the family’s privacy.

“As a parent and as an educator, it’s hard to put something like this into words,” Edwards said in a prepared statement.

“We are very saddened by the passing of one of our students.”

Edwards described the death as an unimaginable tragedy and said the division’s emergency response protocol was activated following the incident.

“Our administrative command team has been enacted to provide support as staff and students navigate the many complexities of this tragedy,” Edwards said.

“This team is made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, families, and school staff at difficult times such as this. Additional supports are available across our schools, including counselling and access to family school liaison workers,” he added.

“Families who are concerned about their child have been encouraged to connect directly with their school to access supports.”

In a letter sent to families Tuesday, division officials described the death as a tremendous loss for the student’s family, school and the broader community, extending condolences to the child’s family and friends.

Officials acknowledged the difficulty many students and families may face in processing the news and encouraged parents to seek support if needed.

School officials noted that children may react differently to tragic news depending on their age and experiences, and encouraged open and honest conversations at home.

Links to additional resources were also provided for Alberta Health Services, Kids Help Phone and local counselling agencies.

The division also thanked first responders, park staff, school staff, parents and community members who assisted during the incident, praising the care and urgency shown throughout the response.

The school division says it will continue supporting students and families in the days ahead while keeping the child’s loved ones in its thoughts.

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CITY OF MEDICINE HAT

(Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)

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Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark said during a press conference that the community was experiencing “grief and disbelief and deep heartache for a family or community that has experienced an unimaginable loss.”

The city confirmed on Tuesday that a serious incident at the park resulted in the death of a child. Officials extended their condolences to the family, friends and all those affected by the tragedy.

“No words are adequate,” Clark said, extending condolences to the child’s family on behalf of the city.

“I also want to speak directly to our community, because tragedies like this touch all of us in ways that are real and lasting. If you’re a parent today, you’re holding your child a little tighter,” she added.

“If you’re a teacher or a coach or a neighbour, you’re asking yourself how you can help? That instinct to come together and protect one another is what helps define Medicine Hat, and it matters so much right now.”

Clark said all city-operated pools and aquatic facilities would remain closed until further notice while the city cooperates with authorities and conducts its own review.

“Our first obligation is to the people who work in these spaces and to the community’s trust,” Clark said.

“We are going to conduct a review of the incident and make sure that if there’s any improvements that we can make, that we make them,” she added.

“The review is just a normal step of precaution after a major incident.”

Clark also urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the death.

“This child and this family deserve better than speculation. They deserve our care, our compassion, and our support,” Clark said.

Support resources are being made available to aquatic staff, first responders, and others who may need assistance.

The City has reached out to community partners and local school divisions to ensure appropriate supports are accessible to young people and families.

Interim City Manager Joe Hutter says he cannot begin to imagine the grief the family is experiencing.

“Our heartfelt condolences are with the child’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” Hutter said in a statement.

The City says the safety and well-being of its residents and employees is its highest priority.

Adding that they are working with authorities and are committed to reviewing this incident and will provide updates related to the review as more information becomes available.

Updates on facility reopenings will be provided once confirmed.

The City stated that they ask the community to keep the family and all those impacted in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.

by Jesse Gill, Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat Police confirm death of child involved in incident at Echo Dale Regional Park

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