Nigerian Boy’s Drowning in Calgary Sparks Calls for Stricter Lake Safety
On May 3, 2026, 12-year-old Damilola Khalid Afolabi jumped into Mahogany Lake in southeast Calgary after playing basketball and failed to resurface. Rescue crews battled poor visibility and cold temperatures before locating him six metres below the surface. He was later pronounced dead despite efforts to save him. Damilola’s father, who had recently moved with his family from Ghana, was overcome with grief at the funeral on May 6. Community members and friends have since launched a fundraising drive to help the family cope with their loss so soon after emigrating. Residents and the Mahogany Lake Association have expressed deep condolences and are now calling for tighter safety regulations at private lakes, including higher minimum age requirements and improved emergency support protocols to prevent similar tragedies.
Use The App To Win ₦1m
Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.