Legacy storm pond drowning claims seven-year-old in southeast Calgary
Seven-year-old Drihanna Matamona died in a Legacy storm pond drowning in southeast Calgary on Sunday, and her family has invited the public to a vigil while urging safety changes around the pond. Community members have left flowers and notes at the site and a GoFundMe has been launched to help cover funeral and living expenses. City officials and residents are being asked to consider protective measures after the incident.
Child Identified After Incident
Drihanna Matamona, age seven, was identified by family members as the child who drowned at the Legacy storm pond. Relatives described her as non-verbal autistic who used a communication device and loved to play with her younger brother. Family members said her cheerful presence and frequent smile left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Rescue Efforts and Emergency Response
Bystanders and family members pulled the child from the water and began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation before emergency crews arrived. The Calgary Fire Department stated crews performed advanced life support measures at the scene, but the child was estimated to have been submerged for about 20 minutes and was pronounced deceased. Investigators are treating the event as an accidental drowning while emergency services continue to review the response timeline.
Family Mourns and Community Support
Relatives said the household is equipped with multiple safety devices that issue alerts when doors are opened, and they described the episode as an unfortunate accident that unfolded quickly. Neighbours and strangers have left flowers, notes and teddy bears near the pond, and a GoFundMe created for the family had raised more than $15,000 to help with funeral costs and lost work time. The family thanked the public for emotional and financial support while asking for privacy as they grieve.
Family Plans Candlelight Vigil at Pond
The family has invited the community to a candlelight vigil at the storm pond on Sunday at 200 Legacy Main S.E., asking attendees to bring plastic candles, flowers and soft tributes. Organizers said the gathering is intended to give people a chance to pay respects and to provide a collective moment of mourning for Drihanna. A public funeral is also planned for next weekend and the family requested that visitors be respectful and allow space for private mourning.
Concerns Raised About Pond Safety
Relatives asked the city to install fencing around the storm pond because it sits adjacent to a playground and is easily accessed by children. They emphasized that the risk is not limited to children with disabilities, saying any child could wander toward open water and that preventative barriers could save lives. Neighbourhood residents echoed those concerns and urged municipal officials to review safety measures at similar ponds across the city.
Calls for Policy Review and Preventative Measures
Local advocates and some residents called for a broader review of storm pond safety, including signage, barriers and community education on water hazards near play areas. The family and neighbours urged Calgary authorities to consider physical fencing, improved lighting and clearer warning signs as immediate steps. Municipal departments typically evaluate open water hazards after serious incidents, and those procedures are expected to be part of any follow up.
The death of Drihanna Matamona has left a home and a community grieving, and her family has asked people to remember her warmth and gentle interactions with loved ones. As they prepare for a vigil and a public funeral, they continue to press for safety changes to prevent future tragedies at the Legacy storm pond. The family’s request for privacy and respectful support was reiterated as mourners gather to honour her memory.
