Tragic Incident Claims Lives of Two Indian Men at Gibson Falls in New Brunswick

A grim incident unfolded at a cherished swimming spot approximately 20 kilometers south of Petitcodiac, now nestled within the Three Rivers community, authorities revealed on Tuesday.

Responding to distress calls on Monday around 3:30 p.m., law enforcement officials rushed to Gibson Falls, located adjacent to River Road in Elgin, as confirmed by RCMP spokesperson Hans Ouellette via email to CBC.

Efforts to save a 21-year-old individual found in the Pollet River were made upon arrival, but tragically, he succumbed to the situation at the scene, stated Ouellette.

The body of another victim, a 24-year-old man, was recovered from the water on the subsequent day. Both individuals hailed from India, according to Ouellette.

While foul play isn’t suspected, inquiries into the fatalities are under the jurisdiction of the provincial coroner’s office, Ouellette affirmed.

Regrettably, this isn’t the first instance of fatalities at Gibson Falls, with at least two prior incidents recorded in the past twelve years.

Kent Steeves, Elgin’s volunteer fire chief, emphasized the hazardous nature of the locale, describing it as a “deep gorge” that poses challenges for both entry and exit.

Acknowledging the area’s popularity for swimming, Steeves highlighted the frequent summer sight of roughly a hundred parked cars along the roadside.

Despite the property being privately owned and sporting warning signs for visitors, the allure of the falls persists, noted Steeves, indicating that the fire department often conducts training exercises in the vicinity due to its recurrent emergencies.

“In essence, it’s a tricky terrain with inherent dangers,” Steeves cautioned, emphasizing the risk of accidents compounded by the crowded conditions and impulsive jumps.

With an average of at least one call annually to Gibson Falls, Steeves stressed the imperative of caution in navigating the area, advocating for heightened awareness to avert further tragedies.