11-year-old dead in suspected drowning during field trip in Medicine Hat

Police are investigating after a child died in a suspected drowning during a field trip. (file photo)

Medicine Hat Public School Division officials say one of their students died in a suspected drowning during a field trip.

The incident happened Monday at Echo Dale Regional Park in the southern Alberta city.

Local police were called to the area in the afternoon for reports of a missing 11-year-old.

About an hour later, the child was found and taken to hospital by EMS.

School division officials posted online to parents Tuesday “to share some very difficult news.”

“The student involved in the incident at Echo Dale has passed away,” the post read.

“We know this information is hard to hear.”

“This is a tremendous loss for the student’s family, our school and our broader community,” the post read.

“Our thoughts are with the student’s family and friends, and with all those who are feeling the impact of this loss.”

The school division said it is making support available.

“We recognize that news like this can be difficult to process, and we encourage you to reach out if you or your child need support,” Tuesday’s post read.

In a statement issued Tuesday, police said the incident is under investigation.

“However, foul play is not suspected,” police said.

Police say the incident happened at the swim lake within Echo Dale Regional Park.

Police say lifeguards were on duty at the time.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Echo Dale Regional Park was “closed until further notice.”

With files by Karsen Marczuk and Quinn Keenan