A heartbroken Manitoba family is demanding immediate government action following the tragic drowning deaths of two young brothers at the same location where their own son lost his life in 2023. The devastating incidents at Sturgeon Falls near Nutimik Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park have reignited calls for enhanced safety measures at this dangerous waterway.
Two Brothers Lost in Weekend Tragedy
On July 24, 2026, authorities confirmed the recovery of both Au Ramirez brothers who went missing the previous weekend. Maximo Au Ramirez, age 10, was found near the falls on Wednesday, while his older brother Aaron, 13, was recovered on Thursday evening. The search operation involved an extensive multi-agency response including RCMP drone and diving teams, volunteer responders, First Nations emergency personnel, and the Hutterian Emergency Aquatic Response Team.
The drowning tragedy at Nutimik Lake has devastated the community and brought painful memories flooding back for Danish Habib, whose 12-year-old son Usaid drowned at the exact same location in May 2023. The father’s anguish has transformed into frustration and anger as he questions why nothing substantial has changed to prevent these recurring deaths.
“What are they waiting for? More people to die before they take any action?” Danish Habib demanded, expressing the grief and frustration shared by many community members.
A Pattern of Preventable Deaths
The drowning deaths at this Manitoba park location have followed a disturbing pattern. In addition to the Au Ramirez brothers and young Usaid Habib, a 38-year-old woman was also pronounced dead in 2025 after being swept into the same falls. These repeated incidents at Nutimik Lake have left families questioning whether provincial authorities are taking the danger seriously enough.
Danish Habib recounted the devastating moment he lost his son, describing how the family was simply on a hike when tragedy struck in a matter of seconds. His eldest child and Usaid had climbed onto rocks to view the area when the young boy slipped while checking the water temperature or flow. The powerful rapids immediately swept him away before anyone could react.
- May 2023: Usaid Habib, 12, drowns at Sturgeon Falls
- 2025: A 38-year-old woman dies after being swept into the falls
- July 2026: Brothers Maximo (10) and Aaron (13) Au Ramirez drown at the same location
Remembering the Victims
Usaid Habib’s parents described their son as the emotional center of their household, a caring young person who was deeply connected to his mother and actively engaged in community volunteer work. His mother, Urooj Danish, remembered him as energetic, caring, and kindhearted. The drowning tragedy at Nutimik Lake took away not just their child, but a young community member who touched many lives.
Urooj Danish expressed feeling hopeless toward the system, believing that her community is being failed by the lack of meaningful response to these preventable deaths. She met with the Au Ramirez boys’ mother on Tuesday, before the children’s bodies were recovered, offering support during an unimaginable time.
“No, I did not know her. You don’t need to know someone. This was a tragedy no one should ever have endured,” Danish said, describing the devastated mother of the two brothers.
Provincial Government Response
Manitoba’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mike Moyes, addressed the drowning situation at the provincial park in an interview on Thursday afternoon. He confirmed that the province had previously upgraded signage at the location in response to earlier drowning incidents and that officials are now assessing additional safety measures.
According to Moyes, a team has been evaluating the site to determine what additional safety mechanisms could be implemented. The minister indicated that suggestions for new safeguards would be presented to him on Monday and emphasized the government’s intention to act quickly to protect Manitobans visiting provincial parks.
Water Safety Tips for Families
For Latino families in Canada who enjoy exploring the country’s beautiful provincial parks, understanding water safety is essential. Rapids and waterfalls can be extremely deceptive, appearing calm while hiding powerful currents beneath the surface.
- Always maintain a safe distance from the water’s edge near rapids and falls
- Keep children within arm’s reach at all times near any body of water
- Pay close attention to all warning signs and posted restrictions
- Avoid touching the water or testing currents, even from rocks
- Wear appropriate footwear with good grip on wet surfaces
- Consider life jackets for children when visiting areas near water
The drowning deaths at Nutimik Lake serve as a tragic reminder that even brief moments of distraction can lead to catastrophic outcomes near dangerous waterways. As this Manitoba family continues to advocate for change, their message is clear: no family should have to endure the pain of losing a child to preventable drowning in a provincial park.
