Canadian Men Chris Novecosky and Joe Novecosky Dies While Attempting to Save Lives
Chris Novecosky’s Heroic Act
Tragedy struck the community of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada, as Chris Novecosky and Joe Novecosky, a brave Canadian men, lost their life while attempting to rescue others who had fallen through the ice on a nearby lake. This selfless act of heroism.
Details of the Heartbreaking Event
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) briefed the media on Monday, shedding light on the heart-wrenching incident that took place on a lake near Humboldt. On Saturday, November 4, 2023, at approximately 2:20 p.m., the RCMP responded to a distress call at Humboldt Lake. Their prompt response was aimed at assisting the Humboldt Fire Department and local paramedics who were already attending to a report of several individuals who had fallen through the ice into the lake.
Witnesses on the scene reported that five people were in the icy water, with three being visible in the open water where the ice near the shore had broken. Firefighters valiantly rescued a woman and two girls from the lake. The woman and one of the girls were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Tragically, the second girl, identified as Ava Novecosky, a Grade two student at St. Dominic School in Humboldt, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two courageous men who had entered the water to aid in the rescue efforts did not resurface. It was not until the following day that RCMP divers were able to recover their bodies. The two individuals were identified as Chris Novecosky and Joe Novecosky, both of whom were extended family members of the young girl who lost her life.
Community Mourns the Heroes
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of adhering to water safety guidelines, particularly when it comes to frozen bodies of water. Humboldt Mayor Michael Behiel, who had personal connections with the victims in this tight-knit community, expressed his grief. He described the victims as “salt-of-the-earth people” and emphasized the need for caution when near substantial open bodies of water. Behiel stressed the importance of verifying ice thickness and solidity before venturing onto the ice.
Remembering Chris Novecosky
A Tribute to a Hero and Kind Soul
Chris Novecosky was a remarkable man, a loving husband to Kristen Bilawchuk, his wife and best friend. Their love story was only four years long before it was tragically cut short by this incident. Chris Novecosky’s heroic act demonstrated immense love, empathy, and selflessness as he laid down his life to save others. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and profound love for his family.
Community Grieves
Outpouring of Support and Donations
The community has come together to grieve the loss of Chris Novecosky and show support for his family. Messages of condolences have flooded in, and a GoFundMe page has been established to help his wife cope with unimaginable grief without the burden of unexpected funeral expenses.
In less than eight hours, over $8,000 has been raised, and the generosity of the community continues to pour in. Chris Novecosky’s kindness and willingness to help others are now reciprocated by the community that admired him. He will be profoundly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
