11-year-old dead in suspected drowning in Medicine Hat
Posted Jun 16, 2026 10:31 am.
Last Updated Jun 16, 2026 3:44 pm.
An 11‑year‑old boy is dead in a suspected drowning at a Medicine Hat park on Monday afternoon.
The child was reported missing from Echo Dale Regional Park around 2:15 p.m., triggering a search involving police and emergency crews.
He was found just after 3:30 p.m. and taken to hospital. City officials confirmed the death on Tuesday morning.
Staff Sgt. Darren Lole with Medicine Hat police says the boy was taking part in a school field trip.
“A coordinated search effort was launched,” he says. “They were doing a methodical water search in the swim lake that ultimately led to locating the child in the water.”
The cause of death still needs to be confirmed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The Medicine Hat Public School Division has released a statement saying liaison workers will be available for any students or families that need someone to speak to.
“We recognize that news like this can be difficult to process, and we encourage you to reach out if you or your child need support,” reads the statement.
The incident has led the City of Medicine Hat to shut down all municipal pools and aquatic facilities while officials review what happened. Officials say the closures are meant to allow for a full review of the incident and to support staff, first responders, and community members affected.
Echo Dale Regional Park will also remain closed during the investigation.
