Safety upgrades completed at Whiteshell park falls where brothers drowned
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Safety improvements have been completed at Sturgeon Falls in Whiteshell Provincial Park, where two brothers from Winnipeg drowned in July, the province announced Friday.
The Sturgeon Falls trail was closed for upgrades after Maximo Au Ramirez, 10, and Aaron Au Ramirez, 13, disappeared in the fast-moving rapids. Their bodies were recovered days later.
The trail and viewing areas have reopened. Viewing areas are now fenced to prevent people from walking onto hazardous slippery rocks. Signs were installed to warn visitors of drowning hazards.
RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES
The trail at Sturgeon Falls in Whiteshell Provincial Park was closed for upgrades after Maximo Au Ramirez, 10, and Aaron Au Ramirez, 13, disappeared in the fast-moving rapids. Their bodies were recovered days later.
A new portage gives canoeists and kayakers access to and from safe shoreline areas adjacent to the falls, the province said.
“Our thoughts continue to be with every family affected by a tragedy at this site,” Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes said in a news release.
“Keeping Manitobans safe is a priority for our government and we moved quickly this summer to complete critical safety upgrades so that another family does not have to suffer this kind of heartbreak.”
Harpreet Kaur Girn, 38, drowned at Sturgeon Falls in 2025. Usaid Habib, 12, drowned there in 2023.
The falls, located between Nutimik and Numao lakes on the Winnipeg River system, can be accessed on foot via a 1.9-kilometre trail from Nutimik Lake campground.
The province received input for safety improvements from drowning victims’ families and local residents and business owners.
Nutimik Lodge owner Allison Baker-Thiessen welcomed the measures.
“The new fencing, signage and portage have created safer spaces for families, visitors and paddlers to experience Sturgeon Falls while preserving the natural beauty that makes this area so special,” she said in the news release.
“These upgrades will help protect Manitobans and provide greater peace of mind for everyone who visits the site.”
fpcity@freepress.mb.ca
History
Updated on Friday, October 2, 2026 2:54 PM CDT: Photo added.