Punjab Newsline | Barnala
A 26-year-old man from Punjab's Barnala district died after attempting to save his friend from drowning in the Lachine Canal in Montreal, Canada.
The deceased, Lovepreet Singh, a resident of Ghunnas Road in Tapa town, reportedly jumped into the canal after his friend Yograj Singh slipped and fell into the water. However, both men were swept away by the strong current and drowned.
Canadian rescue teams recovered the two after several hours and rushed them to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead.
Lovepreet was the only son of former CRPF jawan Balvir Singh. He had moved to Canada around two and a half years ago on a work permit and was employed as a trailer truck driver in a company in Montreal.
According to the family, they spent nearly ₹29 lakh to send him abroad, with his father selling most of the family's agricultural land to fulfill his son's dream. Lovepreet had spoken to his family just 10 days before the tragic incident.
He is survived by his parents and a sister. The grieving family has appealed to the Central Government, the Punjab Government, the Canadian authorities, NRIs, and social organizations for assistance in bringing Lovepreet's mortal remains back to Punjab so that his last rites can be performed in his native village.
His father, Balvir Singh, said the family is now facing severe emotional and financial hardship and appealed for support during this difficult time.
