11-year-old boy dies after incident during school field trip in Medicine Hat

An 11-year-old boy has died after a suspected drowning during a school field trip at Echo Dale Regional Park in Medicine Hat, according to Alberta RCMP.

Police said officers responded Monday afternoon after receiving a report that a child had gone missing during a school outing at the park. Staff from the school division, park employees and emergency responders searched the area, while drones were deployed to assist in locating the child.

Staff Sgt. Darren Lole said the boy was found in the water within about an hour of the initial report. He was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The City of Medicine Hat said all municipal pools and aquatic facilities have been closed until further notice as officials review the circumstances surrounding the incident. Interim city manager Joe Hutter extended condolences to the child's family, friends and others affected by the loss.

Medicine Hat Public School Division said support services would be made available to students, staff and parents impacted by the tragedy.