WHITEWATER REGION (Foresters Falls) – Lynn Bartholomew, 55, from Dallas, Texas, died after she was pulled from rapids in the Ottawa River. She was last observed getting out of her kayak after going through a set of rapids.
The tragic event occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Officers from the OPP detachment in Renfrew, along with paramedics, responded to a 911 call indicating that a female kayaker had been unresponsive after being pulled from the water.
Bystanders performed CPR until Ms. Bartholomew was brought to paramedics who then took over her care. She was transported to hospital. Efforts to resuscitate her were not successful and she was pronounced dead at hospital.
Ms. Bartholomew was staying at Wilderness Tours and was kayaking with a group at the time of the incident. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
Police and the Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the death, but do not suspect foul play. The OPP Forensic Identification Services (FIS) and Renfrew County Crime Unit are assisting the lead investigator, Provincial Constable Dave Peace.
