THUNDER BAY – As officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service continue to investigate what happened at Art Widnall Pool on Saturday night, they are asking the public not to speculate too much online.
Members of the Major Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Unit have become involved in the ongoing investigation after lifeguards rescued a 13-year-old boy from the outdoor pool, according to a media release issued by the Thunder Bay Police Service on Monday.
In an email to Dougall Media, Jennie Peloquin said she was told two young men held her son Kevin underwater in the shallow end of the pool. He may have been underwater for as long as 30 seconds, she said.
Lifeguards rescued Kevin from the pool. They worked with paramedics to resuscitate him.
Shane Muir, Chief of Superior North EMS, called it a near drowning on Monday. Muir said water entered Kevin's airways and possibly his lungs. He also required oxygen.
EMS transported him to the hospital for further care. Police attended and released the site as part of the emergency response.
Kevin ended up being airlifted to a London, Ont., hospital for specialized care.
Peloquin said his condition is improving. His brain scans came back clear. There’s no brain bleed or neck fractures.
“He is on a ventilator to help him breathe. He is sedated to help him rest."
After the doctor removed the ventilator on Monday, Peloquin posted an update online that Kevin is now "awake and talking."
"He is asking for Robins donuts. And my phone."
A friend of the family started a GoFundMe account that has raised more than $30,000 in the first 24 hours, which will help the Peloquin family during this difficult time.
According to a media release from the City of Thunder Bay, an internal debrief and investigation will take place to ensure “all aspects of the incident are fully understood and addressed.
"Supervisors and staff involved in the rescue are receiving the necessary support and debriefing to help them process the emergency situation. The City is committed to the well being of our patrons and staff."
The city kept the pool closed on Sunday but it was scheduled to resume regular hours on Monday.
"While the public concern generated by this incident is understood, speculation that has emerged online has the potential to interfere with the investigation," the Thunder Bay Police Service said in a media release issued on Monday.
"Investigators have been working diligently to conduct a fair and thorough investigation, which includes speaking to several witnesses and documenting the scene."
Anyone who was present at the time of the incident – or who has relevant information – that has not yet come forward is asked to contact investigators at (807) 684-1200. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at p3tips.com.
