Two Brothers Identified in Suspected Drowning at Manitoba Provincial Park

Two young brothers who were swept away by powerful rapids at Whiteshell Provincial Park have been identified as Aaron Au Ramirez, 13, and Maximo Au Ramirez, 10. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support their family during the devastating situation.

Brothers Swept Away Near Sturgeon Falls Trail

The incident occurred on Saturday at Nutimik Lake, close to the Sturgeon Falls Trail in Manitoba’s Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Police received a report of a possible drowning at approximately 12:40 p.m. Emergency responders who arrived at the scene learned that both boys had fallen into the fast-moving water.

According to the RCMP, the brothers were standing near the shoreline when 10-year-old Maximo slipped on the rocks and fell into the rapids.

Staff Sgt. Cory Meyers said Aaron immediately entered the water in an attempt to rescue his younger brother. However, both boys became trapped in the strong current and were carried down the falls.

Witnesses reportedly saw the brothers go beneath the water, but neither boy resurfaced. Police said the search had not officially become a recovery operation at that stage.

Neither child was wearing a life jacket when the incident occurred.

GoFundMe Created to Support the Family

Harry Thiessen and Allison Baker-Thiessen, the owners of Nutimik Lodge, publicly identified the brothers through a GoFundMe campaign.

The couple asked community members to support the grieving family and help cover expected funeral expenses.

They said Nutimik Lodge staff, Manitoba Parks, Manitoba Conservation and the RCMP were among those who received information about the suspected drownings.

Baker-Thiessen said the boys had not yet been located and emphasized the importance of finding them so their family could receive closure.

Search Teams Face Difficult Water Conditions

HEART, a non-profit organization, is assisting the RCMP with the search operation. The group has been surveying the section of water where the brothers were swept away.

Search coordinator Paul Maendal described the area as fast-moving and difficult to examine. Strong winds and waves have also made it challenging for crews to obtain a clear underwater scan.

Additional Safety Measures May Be Considered

Parks Canada said warning signs are already installed along the trail to inform visitors about potential hazards. Officials are also expected to consider whether further safety measures should be introduced.

Baker-Thiessen expressed hope that changes would be made to reduce the risk of a similar tragedy occurring in the future.

The disappearance of Aaron and Maximo Au Ramirez has deeply affected their family and the surrounding community. Search teams continue facing challenging conditions as they work to locate the brothers, while community members are raising funds to support the family. The incident has also prompted renewed discussions about water safety and possible improvements near the Sturgeon Falls Trail.