St. Catharines man, 25, identified as Lake Erie drowning victim

The body of 25-year-old St. Catharines man who disappeared under the water in Lake Erie in last weekend has been recovered, police say.

In a social media post, Const. Ed Sanchuk of the Ontario Provincial Police said that Daniel Sosa-Zerebecka’s body was located around 12 noon on Monday (Sept. 13). Sosa-Zerebecka was one of four swimmers involved in a rescue effort at Port Burwell Provincial Park on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 11).

Two people were in distress and two others tried to help. Three of the four were ultimately rescued by a Good Samaritan who had a life-saving ring.

“To the individual who saw what was happening and threw that life ring, you definitely saved three lives that day,” Sanchuk said. “You were a hero and I want to say thank you.

“Unfortunately, one person slipped under the water.”

Sosa-Zerebecka’s body was found by OPP Aviation Services, about 13 km away from the park. An underwater search and recovery unit and emergency response team members assisted with recovery

“It’s never easy for any family member to ever receive a knock on their door from a police officer,” Sanchuk said.

“They know that their family member is missing in the water and then knocking on the door again to say they’ve located the deceased.”

UPDATE- #OPP Aviation Serivces locates #missing swimmer approximately 13 km East of @PortBurwellPP. 25 year old from @St_Catharines was pronounced deceased. Underwater Search and Recovery Unit and Emergency Response Team members assist with recovery. @ElginCounty #ElginOPP ^es pic.twitter.com/AlafwWEjVY

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) September 14, 2021

A post-mostem was to be held on Tuesday.

Sanchuk did not disclose whether any of the four swimmers was wearing a life-jacket. He suggested that anyone heading to a lake should wear one.

“Please make sure you have lifejacket or PFD (personal flotation device). We have knocked on too many doors this year in West Region. We take a little bit of that with us every time.”