Police investigate body found in Ottawa River

Russell Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating after a body was found in the Ottawa River in the Clarence-Rockland area on May 17.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., officers responded to reports of a body located in the water, offshore from the Dallaire Street area. Investigators are working to determine the identity of the person and piece together what happened.

OPP say there is no indication of a threat to public safety, but those living in or travelling through the area can expect an increased police presence.

The investigation is being led by the Russell County Crime Unit under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is asked to contact Russell County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.

Fourth body found in Ottawa waterway

This is the fourth incident police in the area are investigation in just the last several weeksn.

In one week, Ottawa police opened three investigations after three bodies were found in the Ottawa River.

On April 27, officials responded to Dick Bell Park on Carling Avenue in the city’s west end after someone reported a dead person. Police later confirmed the person is Vanshika Saini, who is in her 20s and an international student from India.

The second person was found dead near Bates Island, near Island Park Drive on May 3. Police say there is no indication of foul play in the investigation.

Then, on May 4, a kayaker found a body in the Rideau River. Officials said in a post that the body was located just north of Smyth Road. 

“We will provide an update when we are able to release details to the public,” Ottawa Police Service said in a post. “At this time, there is no indication of foul play.”