KAWARTHA LAKES-48 year old Earl Strong of Courtice has been identified as the man who lost his life after two snowmobiles went through the ice near Bobcaygeon on Saturday night.
Members of the Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the OPP were called to assist with a report of snowmobilers that had entered the water on Sturgeon Lake South West of Bobcaygeon shortly after 6pm on January 20.
Police say two males were observed in the open water, Police and witnesses were able to successfully rescue a 46 year old male. City of Kawartha Lakes Fire Department initiated an open water rescue. City of Kawartha Lakes EMS were on scene to deliver immediate attention to the recovered male. A search of the area for the second male was conducted by City of Kawartha Lakes Fire Department, OPP officers and a helicopter from Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC Trenton). Search of the area was called off shortly after 11pm.
Members of the OPP Aviation Services and Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU) attended the location on January 21 and located the 48 year old male shortly before 4pm on Sunday.
Earl Strong was a Toronto firefighter. Friends and family describe him as a kind man who loved his wife and three boys. They say he was always out playing hockey or catch with his kids and loved to stop and chat with neighbours when taking the dog Jake for a walk.
Our condolences to his family.
