The body of a 13-year-old boy was recovered Thursday night from Nutimik Lake, concluding a nearly 24-hour search that began after his 10-year-old brother was found dead in the water, police said. Aaron Au Ramirez reportedly dove into the lake on July 18 trying to save his younger brother, Maximo Au Ramirez, after the 10-year-old was swept into the current. Staff Sgt. Cory Meyers spoke with reporters Thursday afternoon at the boat launch of Nutimik Campground, located on the shores of the lake within Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Search efforts drew two RCMP boats, a drone unit, a dive team, the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team, and roughly 20 volunteer boats. Maximo’s body was spotted by a civilian boat about 300 feet, or approximately 91 metres, away from the lake’s falls on Wednesday around 7:30 p.m., according to police estimates. Volunteers found the 10-year-old’s body above the water, and HEART personnel recovered it. Crews then focused their efforts on locating the older brother.
Did You Know? Nutimik Campground sits directly on the shores of Nutimik Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park, where the two brothers went missing on a Saturday.
Community Support and Family Impact
Allison Baker-Thiessen, who owns Nutimik Lodge with her husband, said the boys’ family has been staying at the lodge during the search. She told 680 CJOB on Thursday that the community response has been overwhelming. “My husband and myself both have had multiple breaking points for sure, but (for) the most part, we’re doing pretty good,” she said, expressing amazement at the outpour of support.
Following the recovery of Maximo’s body on Wednesday, Baker-Thiessen noted that it offered “a little bit of closure” while describing the parents as “emotionally wrecked.” She emphasized that the family will need assistance for years to come. Staff Sgt. Meyers also shared a statement on behalf of the family during the Thursday press briefing, stating, “We’re going through a terrible, horrible and unimaginable pain for our children.”
Provincial Safety Reviews and Potential Safeguards
Manitoba’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Mike Moyes told Global News that the province is working quickly to implement new safeguards around the lake. A site assessment was conducted by the director of parks days prior to his interview. The director is scheduled to present findings on Monday, prompting the department to consider changes to improve area safety and mitigate risks for visitors.
Moyes stated that preliminary discussions have explored several options, including upgrading signage, installing fencing, and adding other safety precautions. Additional signs were previously installed in the area following past drownings, according to the minister.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the boys go missing?
The brothers went missing on Saturday, July 18, after becoming caught in the current at Nutimik Lake.
Who recovered the body of the 10-year-old?
Maximo Au Ramirez’s body was found by volunteers and recovered by the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team (HEART).
What safety changes are being considered by the province?
Manitoba’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Mike Moyes stated that the province is reviewing findings from a park director’s site assessment, with potential measures including upgraded signage, fencing, and other safety precautions.
How has the local community responded to the tragedy?
Nutimik Lodge owner Allison Baker-Thiessen reported an abundance of support from the community, with around 20 volunteer boats joining the search alongside official agencies.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred at Nutimik Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park.
How did the 13-year-old become caught in the water?
Police stated that Aaron Au Ramirez dove into the lake in an attempt to save his younger brother, Maximo, who had been swept into the waters.
What agencies participated in the search?
Search operations involved two RCMP boats, an RCMP drone unit, an RCMP dive team, the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team, and approximately 20 volunteer boats.
When was the older brother’s body recovered?
The body of the 13-year-old boy was recovered on Thursday night, almost 24 hours after his younger brother’s body was found.
What did the family share through police?
Staff Sgt. Cory Meyers read a statement on behalf of the family, saying, “We’re going through a terrible, horrible and unimaginable pain for our children.”
Are there previous drownings recorded at this location?
Minister Mike Moyes confirmed that additional signs were put up following past instances of drownings in the area.
How are local business owners assisting?
Allison Baker-Thiessen and her husband, owners of Nutimik Lodge, have been hosting the boys’ family at their property during the search.
What distance was the first body found from the falls?
Police estimated that Maximo’s body was spotted about 300 feet, or approximately 91 metres, away from the lake’s falls.
When will provincial officials review park safety findings?
The director of parks is scheduled to present safety findings and recommendations to Minister Mike Moyes on Monday.
What specific entities searched for the missing teen?
Police, the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team, and around 20 civilian volunteer boats searched for the 13-year-old.
Who represents the provincial environment ministry addressing these safety reviews?
Manitoba’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change Mike Moyes spoke with media regarding the site assessments and safety options.
What message did lodge owners have regarding long-term support?
Allison Baker-Thiessen noted that the family’s need for support will span years, emphasizing that the community’s backing must extend beyond the immediate aftermath.
How did the community react to the recovery of the first body?
According to Allison Baker-Thiessen, the recovery of Maximo’s body offered “a little bit of closure” to those involved.
Where did Staff Sgt. Cory Meyers address the media?
Meyers spoke at the boat launch of Nutimik Campground on Thursday afternoon.
What condition were the parents in following the recoveries?
Allison Baker-Thiessen described the parents as being “emotionally wrecked” by the tragedy.
What kind of water feature is near where the body was located?
The location involved the falls at Nutimik Lake within Whiteshell Provincial Park.
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