An Essex-Windsor EMS paramedic has died after his canoe capsized on a lake in Grey County.
OPP, EMS, and fire crews were called to Walker Lake in the Township of Chatsworth around 5:40 p.m. Thursday after a report came in that a man had fallen into the lake.
Mahmoud Ghannam, 49, of Windsor was pronounced dead at the scene.
Essex-Windsor EMS posted the tragic news on its Facebook page Friday morning.
“It is with heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Essex Windsor EMS Paramedic, Mahmoud Ghannam,” said the post. “A man dedicated to his family, religion, friends and career. A man who knew the true meaning of altruism, compassion and empathy. Our thoughts are with the Ghannam family at this time.”
EMS Chief Bruce Krauter says it happened while he was on vacation with his family.
“Mahmoud was a proud member of Essex Windsor EMS and was a paramedic who eagerly came to work each day, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to providing exemplary and compassionate care to all he treated and served,” says Krauter.
Krauter says Mahmoud touched the lives of all he came in contact with and his loss is a tremendous blow to their service.
The flags were lowered to half-mast at the EMS Tecumseh branch where Ghannam worked.
Police say Ghannam was not wearing a life-jacket. He was later recovered from the lake by fire crews.
OPP continue to investigate the incident with a port-mortem examination set to be scheduled.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
