Parents in pain as Manitoba lake search continues for boy after brother’s body found
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
NUTIMIK LAKE – The parents of two boys swept into fast-moving rapids in a Manitoba lake say they’re in unimaginable pain as the search for one son enters its sixth day.
Aaron Au Ramirez, 13, and his brother Maximo Au Ramirez, 10, disappeared into Nutimik Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park on Saturday.
Maximo’s body was recovered Wednesday evening after a boat on the water discovered it near Sturgeon Falls Trail.
Haidee Ramirez and Roger Au thanked the countless volunteers and search organizations that have combed the water and shorelines or have provided the two with “hugs, prayers and hope.”
“What we’ve gone through is not humanly possible to understand. We’re surviving only because of the help of those around us,” the parents said in a statement that was read to media on Thursday by RCMP Staff Sgt. Cory Meyers.
“Please keep our sons, who were always faithful and kind, in your thoughts and in your prayers.”
Police say about 20 boats are on the water, along with a dive team, as they try to find the oldest boy. Crews from the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team, the First Nations-led Turtle Aquatic Response Inc., and the Rosenort Fire Department are helping with the search.
“We’ve got a lot of volunteers here today so we can cover a lot of ground. Nothing truly in the lake is out of bounds for us,” said Meyers.
“The more eyes on the water, the more people that we have, it really does help our search efforts.”
Premier Wab Kinew called the situation “heartbreaking” and said his government is examining next steps.
“The mind just races and the heart fills with compassion for these boys, for their family and everybody who knew them,” he told reporters from Charlottetown, P.E.I., where he is meeting with other premiers.
“We do have a responsibility around keeping Manitobans safe.”
Environment Minister Mike Moyes has ordered his department to assess high-risk trails and areas in the province’s more than 90 parks.
“We’re going to take a comprehensive approach to ensuring that Manitobans can enjoy nature,” said Moyes.
An assessment of Sturgeon Falls was completed this week, and Moyes expects to have the results on Friday.
The trail was closed following Saturday’s events and will remain closed until additional safety measures can be put in place.
The area already has warning signs that describe slippery or hidden rocks, strong currents and a steep drop-off.
Moyes said the government could look at adding fencing, barricades or more signage. It could also look at closing some of the smaller trails that branch off from the main one at Sturgeon Falls.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2026.
— By Brittany Hobson in Winnipeg with files from Ian Bickis