Angler Dies After Falling Into Bow River Near Graves Bridge: Bystander Leaps Into Frigid Water to Attempt Rescue
A tragic incident unfolded along the Bow River in southeast Calgary after a man fell into the water while fishing near Graves Bridge. Despite the heroic efforts of a fellow angler and emergency crews, the man was later pronounced dead in hospital.
For full coverage from CBC News, you can read the original report here:
Angler dies after falling into Bow River in southeast Calgary
Emergency Response After Reports of Two People in the Water
Police and fire crews responded to urgent calls reporting up to two individuals in the water. According to a statement from the Calgary Fire Department, one angler saw another man—who had been fishing close by—lose his footing and fall into the cold, fast-moving river.
The man struggled to pull himself out before being swept away by the strong current.
Bystander Jumps Into the River to Save Him
In an act of remarkable bravery, the witness immediately dove into the frigid Bow River to rescue the submerged angler. He swam to the man, managed to bring him back to shore, and began performing CPR while waiting for first responders.
When fire crews arrived, they took over resuscitation efforts before transporting the patient to hospital. Sadly, the man later died from his injuries. Officials say it is still unclear how he initially entered the water.
Rescuer Recognized for Heroism
The angler who braved the icy water was unharmed but “very cold,” according to the fire department. His actions put him at personal risk in an attempt to save another person’s life.
This act may be submitted to the Calgary Fire Department’s Beyond the Call Program, which recognizes exceptional civilian bravery at an annual awards luncheon.
The Importance of Water Safety and CPR Knowledge
This incident is a powerful reminder of how quickly emergencies can occur—even during routine activities like fishing. Cold water, swift currents, and unexpected slips can all turn dangerous within moments.
Knowing CPR and having the confidence to act can be life-saving during the crucial minutes before emergency responders arrive. For those wanting to improve their skills, Calgary First Aid offers hands-on CPR and AED training designed for real-life emergencies.
👉 Learn more here: https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Learn Life-Saving Skills
If you want to be better prepared to help in an emergency:
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