Alberta RCMP confirm the bodies of three family members were found Tuesday afternoon. They died in the icy waters of Lake Sainte-Anne, about 85 kilometers west of Edmonton.
The three victims are Kelly Pelsma, 39, his wife Laura, 37, and their son Dylan, 8.
Corporal Patrick Lambert, RCMP spokesman, also confirmed that divers found an All-Terrain Utility Vehicle (UTV), commonly known as a side-by-side, in the water.
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The three bodies found are those of Kelly Pelsma (39), Laura Pelsma (37) and her son Dylan (8).
Photo: Facebook / Kelly Pelsma
Members of the Pelsma family were last seen on December 23rd. They were reported missing to the RCMP on Dec. 25 after missing a Christmas party they were scheduled to attend.
The loss of this family is truly devastating this Christmas season. “Our thoughts are with the community and extended family,” said Corporal Patrick Lambert.
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“It almost never freezes”
Martin Jr. Lavoie, a Lac Sainte-Anne resident, claims to have helped police find the vehicle and the family. “As a father, I felt the need to go and help,” he says.
“It's Christmas, I imagined her family asking questions. Then, yes, we found them. In bad condition, but at least we found them,” he says.
He claims that the place where the accident occurred is known for its fragile ice. “In the winter there is a countercurrent there, so it practically never freezes,” says Martin Jr. Lavoie, who is also an avid ice fisherman. “This year is an extraordinary year. […] It’s hot, so the ice cream isn’t solid,” he adds.
An autopsy will be performed on the bodies of the three victims in Edmonton.
With information from Charles Delisle and Dennis Kovtun