One of two men trapped on the Athabasca River near Fort McKay during the flooding passed away.
Mayor Don Scott said previously this is the first fatality from the flood which impacted Fort McMurray on April 28.
READ MORE: Flood claims one life and damages 1,230 structures
Wood Buffalo RCMP responded to a call for help on the Athabasca River.
At 1:30 p.m. on April 28, 2020, police sought to assist two men stranded on the river northeast of Fort MacKay.
Both men were on ATV’s on a trail when the water level suddenly rose.
Now on the river, the men held onto a submerged log and contacted emergency services with a mobile phone.
The Fort McMurray Search and Rescue Society (SAR), Regional Emergency Services (RES), Phoenix Heli-Flight, and 417 Combat Support Squadron of 4 Wing Cold Lake also assisted in the rescue.
Hypothermia from exposure to cold water left one man in critical condition.
Responders transported him via helicopter to the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Authorities transported the other man by ambulance to the hospital for treatment.
Rescue crews also rescued two women, two children, and two dogs from a cabin nearby and took them to safety.
“We are reminding the public to stay away from all bodies of water especially during spring melt, as conditions can change and be unpredictable.” Said Acting Inspector Keith Horwood, Wood Buffalo RCMP.
RCMP said the name of the deceased will not be released.
