Swimmer drowns in Ghost Lake

Police Notebook:

A 21-year-old Calgary man drowned in Ghost Lake on July 22.

Around 5 p.m., Cochrane RCMP responded to the complaint that Christopher Smallwood, who was swimming in the lake with four friends, had gone missing.

Police learned Smallwood, along with several friends, were jumping from Ghost Lake Bridge.

While swimming back to shore, witnesses noticed Smallwood was struggling.

His friends swam back to assist but were unable to reach Smallwood before he went under the water.

Emergency services were contacted and a diver with equipment who was at the location assisted in locating the swimmer.

Witnesses on scene performed CPR until EMS and STARS Air Ambulance arrived, but Smallwood was pronounced dead at 6 p.m. The Medical Examiner’s Office, along with Cochrane RCMP are still investigating the specific cause of death.

Acreage fire

Two firefighters and a Rocky View resident were treated for burns after an acreage fire that took place around 1:30 p.m., June 22.

The fire occurred on a rural property about 20 kilometres south of Cochrane just northeast of the intersection of highways 1 and 22.

About 35 firefighters from Rocky View County, Cochrane and Redwood Meadows fire services responded to the blaze.

Upon arrival, three structures were fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters encountered minor explosions due to oxygen and propane tanks on the property, but were able to save two buildings.

A large studio and two houses were destroyed in the fire.

Fire crews remained on scene to extinguish hot spots. A total of 11 apparatus were involved in fighting the blaze.

The cause of the fire and damage estimates remain under investigation.

If you have information on any crime contact your local RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppers.ab.ca.Crime Stoppers will pay cash for information leading to the identity of the persons responsible for this crime. Crime Stoppers does not ask for your name and does not subscribe to call display.