In the early morning daylight hours of August 2, 2020, Medicine Hat Fire Service and South East Alberta Search and Rescue returned to the South Saskatchewan River to begin the remains of the 31 year-old male who had been swept away into the river the previous day.

At about 11:15 am, August 2, 2020, Medicine Hat Fire Service located the remains of the male who had been previously reported as missing.

Foul play, alcohol, and drugs are not believed to be factors in this instance, however, the Medicine Hat Police Service has commenced a death investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the individual. This is a normal function of the police and their duties as investigators on behalf of the Office of the Medical Examiner.

The following City of Medicine Hat Resources were deployed:

• Medicine Hat Fire Service
• Medicine Hat Police Service

Community Resources that contributed to the search and recovery were:

• HALO
• South Eastern Alberta Search and Rescue

The Medicine Hat Police Service Victim Assistance Unit is supporting the family with on-going support during the grief process.  

The Medicine Hat Police Service will not be releasing the name of the decedent.