CALGARY- Calgary police confirmed Wednesday that an 83-year-old woman who died while the city was flooding last week drowned in her ground-floor apartment.
Deputy police chief Roger Chaffin said the woman's Erlton suite was partially below-grade, making it easier for water to pour in.
"I couldn't even speculate as to how she became overcome by the water, just to say that the victim was overcome by water and drowned," he said.
Chaffin said police were at the woman's door, in the 100 block of 25 Ave. S.W., last Thursday night to tell her about a mandatory evacuation and she told them she planned to leave. He said the woman didn't have mobility issues and there were no indications that she needed help.
“Certainly this is tragedy for the family, for the friends, for the neighbours of the woman who passed away,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi at a press briefing Thursday afternoon.
According to police the woman's body was found Sunday afternnon by friends who had returned to the building to check on her. Earlier reports suggest the woman stayed because she didn't want to leave her cat behind.
With files from The Canadian Press
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