Vigil held for victims and family of tragic drowning deaths in Temiskaming Shores

A vigil was held Tuesday evening in New Liskeard, about 90 minutes north of North Bay, for family and friends of a father and daughter who are believed to have drowned on the weekend in the northern Ontario community of Temiskaming Shores.

A social media post on Sunday by Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus said, "We had a tragedy on the ice today. A dad and daughter went through. Prayers for the family."

The mayor of Temiskaming Shores, Jeff Laferriere, confirmed to CBC Radio that two people are missing.

A fundraising page set up for the family says Christian Bergeron and his daughter, Maya, are the victims. The page says the father tried to save his sixth-grade daughter and both were swept away in a fast-moving current in Pete's Dam Park, a popular hiking area. 

Bergeron's fiancee, Miranda Mariott, issued a post Monday on social media.

"I have had overflowing support from family, friends, strangers and the whole community! I would like to mention that my son has been like an angel and helping out where he thinks he can!! Love him so much!! He too is grieving along with the other siblings & family members!! Big thank you goes out to the first responders and everyone who has taken the time to come visit. God bless," the post said.

OPP underwater recovery teams and drones are still searching the area.