The RCMP have released details on the tragic deaths of Green Party candidate Josh Underhay and his young son.
The RCMP say they had gone canoeing on the Hillsborough River on Friday afternoon.
They were reported missing about 4.20 after they not return to an agreed pick-up spot.
Crews from the Crossroads, Charlottetown and North River Fire Departments along with the Department of Fisheries began an immediate search.
The RCMP including the Police Dog Service and a drone plus PEI Ground Search and Rescue were dispatched.
The two were located in the water near their capsized canoe.
Both were wearing flotation devices.
They were taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital but were declared deceased.
The investigation continues.
The Queen’s District RCMP say their thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims.
The investigation continues.
RCMP are asking anyone with information of if they saw a red canoe on the Hillsborough River yesterday in mid-afternoon in the Heartz Road area in East Royalty to please call them at 902-370-9100.
Green Party Leader Issues Statement
Green Party Leader Peter Bevan-Baker has expressed his sorrow over the death of Josh Underhay, who was a Birchwood Intermediate teacher and who was running in District 9 Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park in the election.
Baker says he touched the lives of many including his students and fellow musicians.
Out of respect, all Green Party election activities will be suspended for the remainder of the campaign.
The Liberals, PCs and New Democrats have all canceled events and activities that had been scheduled for Saturday.
May Sends Condolences
Federal Green Party Leade Elizabeth May has also reacted to the tragic death of Underhay and his son.
She has sent condolences to the family.
May only met Underhay last week on a trip to the Island. She says it is such unbearable sad news to hear of his passing.
Notes of Condolence
Premier Wade MacLauchlan has sent his sympathies.
The Liberal Leader says it is a sad day with the sudden passing of Josh Underhay and his young son.
He says he had the chance of several occasions to interact with the Green candidate and saw his commitments to his community and to Prince Edward Island.
PC Leader Dennis King has issued a statement extending deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Josh Underhay and his son.
NDP Leader Joe Byrne has also sent his sympathies to the family and associates of the Green candidate.
