OPP Investigating Death Near Point Petre

Date: August 5, 2024

Ontario Provincial Police are continuing to investigate the death of a Prince Edward County resident following an incident near Point Petre on Lake Ontario earlier this month.

Police say emergency crews were called to the area shortly before 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, after reports that individuals had been seen in the water. Officers from Prince Edward County OPP responded alongside Hastings Quinte Paramedic Services and Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue.

Emergency Response on Lake Ontario

Due to the nature of the call, additional support was requested from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, which assists with marine search and rescue operations.

According to police, a 35-year-old man from Prince Edward County was located near the shoreline at Point Petre and was pronounced deceased. OPP have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The local OPP detachment remains responsible for the investigation.

Community Response and Remembrance

In the days following the incident, many members of the community shared tributes online in memory of James Badgley, 35. While police have not confirmed details circulating on social media, OPP did acknowledge that more than one person was in the water at the time of the incident.

Public records show that Mr. Badgley was previously recognized for acts of bravery. In 2017, he received a Medal of Bravery for rescuing a man from a burning home in Belleville in 2015, an honour that has been remembered by many as news of his passing spread.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life is expected to be held at a later date.

Police continue to ask the public to avoid speculation as the investigation proceeds.

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