Tragic Loss of 15-Year-Old in Montreal Pool Underscores the Importance of CPR Training
A heartbreaking incident in Montreal has once again highlighted how crucial it is for bystanders to know CPR. Mohamed Ndimurwanko, a 15-year-old with dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, died after being found unconscious at the bottom of a public pool in Ahuntsic-Cartierville.
Original CBC article:
15-year-old dies after being found unconscious in Montreal pool
Mohamed had been spending time with friends on Saturday night when, at some point, he ended up submerged and unresponsive. According to his friends, he had briefly left the group to get water shortly before he was discovered.
Despite immediate CPR efforts from police officers, Mohamed passed away in hospital on Sunday afternoon.
A Family Facing Another Tragedy
Mohamed’s father, Issa Ndimurwanko, is struggling to understand how such a tragedy could happen, especially since his son knew how to swim.
The loss is particularly devastating for the family. Before Mohamed was born, they lost another son to illness at the age of two. Mohamed—born after the family moved from Burundi to Sherbrooke in 1999—was the child they hoped would help heal that heartbreak.
“It’s hard to accept that he’s dead,” his father told CBC News. “I am in shock, I’m in shock.”
Mohamed, who would have turned 16 this August, was described as tall, athletic, and passionate about soccer. He was in Grade 10 at École Secondaire St-Laurent and dreamed of one day playing on a national team.
What Happened That Night
A 911 call came in around 11:15 p.m. on Saturday. Police were the first to arrive and pulled Mohamed from the water. Officers immediately began CPR before he was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
Authorities say the exact circumstances remain unclear, and the family is urging police to investigate further. Mohamed’s father also expressed concerns about public safety, suggesting that better monitoring and surveillance could help prevent similar tragedies.
Why CPR Training Matters
This tragic loss is a powerful reminder that emergencies can happen quickly—even to strong swimmers and healthy young people. In drowning cases, oxygen deprivation occurs rapidly, making immediate CPR essential.
When CPR is performed quickly and correctly, it can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.
For community members who want to be prepared, enrolling in a CPR course is one of the most valuable steps you can take. To learn how to respond confidently in emergencies, consider taking a certified CPR and AED course:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Learn CPR and Be Ready to Help
Whether you’re a parent, teen, coach, or community member, knowing CPR empowers you to act when every second counts. A few hours of training can make all the difference in a real emergency.
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