“May My Son Rest in Peace”: Father of 15-Year-Old Tells the Harrowing Tale of Son’s Last Swimming Adventure

Unsupervised swimming sessions can often turn tragic in the blink of an eye. A similar accident has rocked the picturesque city of Owen Sound, known for its exceptional geographical features. Swimming enthusiasts often frequent Owen Sound’s vast harbor and bay. But earlier this week, the restful waters of Owen Sound turned tragic for a 15-year-old boy. Callum Kearney was a smart and funny teenager who was loved and admired by everybody in the local community.

Despite having a bright future ahead, Kearney tragically drowned while swimming with friends. In the wake of this heart-wrenching incident, Kearney’s father shared the news of his sudden demise and remembered his son’s memory on a GoFundMe page.

Chris Kearney’s heartfelt post after his son’s swimming mishap

On Tuesday, 15-year-old Callum Kearney went for a swim with his friends in the west-side wharf area of Owen Sound. Unfortunately, he succumbed to the powerful currents of the lake and drowned. According to a report in The Sun Times, Chris Kearney took the GoFundMe page and wrote, “He was such a smart, handsome, funny, calm boy who everybody loved. A bright light in his families lives has dimmed.” Chris Kearney himself established the GoFundMe page in order to help alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses and offer support during this time of profound grief.

The GoFundMe post further read, “May my son rest in peace. 1/26/2008 – 8/22/2023.” All of Owen Sound has come together in order to support the Kearney family in this time of need through their heartwarming and overwhelming donations. In only a short span of time, the GoFundMe page has received more than $10,500 in donations. This is evidence of the impact Callum had on those around him. The goal is to raise $25,000 in order to honor his legacy with such a tribute. Callum did eventually succumb to the strong currents, but the local authorities did try their best.

Local authorities’ attempt to rescue Callum

Authorities revealed that on a sunny Tuesday afternoon, around 2:20 p.m. they received a 911 call of a possible drowning. In what was a coordinated search and rescue attempt, the Owen Sound Fire Department, the OPP, and EMS rushed to the scene to assist. Even the Canadian Coast Guard sprang into action as they arrived alongside the Owen Sound Fire Department vessel. Armed with advanced technology and expertise, their presence was crucial in the ensuing search. Alongside them, the OPP Marine Unit joined the operation, dedicating hours to scouring the waters for any sign of Callum Kearney.

Read more: Series of Unfortunate Events Strike Swimming World as New York Loses Second Teen to Drowning

Eventually, the OPP Dive Unit was summoned to the scene, and shortly after 7 p.m., Callum’s lifeless body was discovered beneath the surface. Callum Kearney was loved by all in the Owen Sound community. As his family grieves in this unfortunate time, the local community has shown their support by contributing to the GoFundMe page as they honor the bright soul of 15-year-old Callum Kearney.

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