Montreal police suspend search for teen swept away on Rivière-des-Prairies ice

Montreal police have halted their search for an 18-year-old who was swept away after falling through the ice in Rivière-des-Prairies.

Montreal police (SPVM) have suspended the search for a teenager who fell through the ice in Rivière-des-Prairies on Thursday.

SPVM spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant said authorities might carry out additional checks in the coming days.

On Saturday, the SPVM Marine Unit conducted river checks while divers searched an area where the current may have carried the teen.

On Thursday afternoon, two teens, aged 17 and 18, were walking on the icy river in the Île Bizard—Sainte-Geneviève borough when the ice gave way and they fell through.

The 17-year-old was pulled from the river and taken to hospital conscious. Police said his life was not in danger.

The 18-year-old was swept away by the current and has not been found.

Cégep Gérald-Godin confirmed the missing teen is one of its students. The school said measures are being put in place to support students and staff.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to help the teen’s family with financial burdens. The fundraiser has raised $9,862 of a $30,000 goal.