The drowning death of a five-year-old child in Wabumun Lake has taken a stunning turn, with RCMP now saying the tragedy is "suspicious."On Sunday, RCMP issued a press release saying: "At 2:50 p.m. Parkland RCMP received a report of a capsized water craft on Wabamun Lake. RCMP members along with EMS and STARS deployed to assist."The release did not elaborate.A subsequent RCMP release said: "RCMP can advise 2 individuals were located from an overturned canoe on Wabamun Lake near the Provincial Campground/ Moonlight Bay.""A 5-year-old female victim was recovered from the water by bystanders prior to emergency services and police attendance. The second person a 35-year-old female was pulled from the water by other watercraft in the area.""However the 5-year-old despite lifesaving efforts was pronounced deceased on scene by STARS and EMS."But on Thursday, the investigation took a twist."RCMP has now learned that the water craft did not capsize and is continuing to treat this fatal incident as a criminal investigation," it said in a release.RCMP is seeking public assistance from anyone who was in the area between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., who may have been witness to this drowning, or may have drone footage from the area, to contact Parkland RCMP at 825-220-2000. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www. P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.The lake is 65 km west of Edmonton.
