The families of two paddleboarders who drowned in Squamish’s Browning Lake Saturday are sharing their heartbreak and shock after learning the pair had been found deceased.
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The parents of Genesis Bague and the sister of Mariz Bello shared what kind of people they both were.
Bague’s father, Francisco Bague, tells OMNI News Genesis was a loving and supportive son.
Francisco has been dealing with some serious health issues, he says, and his son had been helping him get through.
“The tragic incident that happened…I’m really in a state of shock, but I have to control myself to avoid a heart attack,” he said.
“I had a heart attack last year, where my boys, they returned to the Philippines to pay me a visit. But I could not appreciate their presence during that time because I’m not stable.”
Genesis’ mother, Edelina Bague, says her faith is helping her come to terms with the tragic loss.
“I give all this to the Lord,” she said. “I give everything to Him.”
Bello’s sister, Angelie Bello Bernel, says Mariz was one of the strongest people she knew.
“She has a lot of dreams, not just for herself, but also for the whole family to give us a better future,” she said.
She says she isn’t sure what the family will do without Mariz.
“She’s the main source of everything here, especially for my mother’s needs, so I don’t know actually how we’re going to start.”
The families say they are hoping the bodies and ashes of their loved ones can be brought home to the Philippines so they can share their final respects.
The Squamish RCMP first received reports of a possible drowning on Saturday at 3 p.m. On Tuesday, Mounties confirmed the pair’s bodies had been recovered by the RCMP Underwater Recovery Team.
— With files from Rhea Santos, OMNI News