Donations set up for family of 6-year-old boy who passed on Sunday night

An autopsy is anticipated for later this week for the sudden death of 6-year-old Ibukun Adeniui, as community members are looking for ways to continue to assist the family.

Cold Lake RCMP issued a missing person release after Adeniui went missing from his residence in Rocky Way in Cold Lake North at roughly 5:00PM.

Some 80 volunteers assisted in the search party, as well as St. Paul Police Dog Service, Lloydminster Police Dog Service, Cold Lake RPAS (Remote piloted Aircraft System); as well as Cold Lake, Bonnyville, St. Paul, Little Divide, and Parkland Search and Rescue teams.

Approximately seven hours later, the boy’s body was found in the slough, drainage pond directly behind the child’s residence, according to police.

A City of Cold Lake vacuum truck was used to drain the pond.

In the sudden death investigation, the Medical Examiner’s office is now involved and has taken custody of the body, with an autopsy likely later this week.

Authorities will wait to see the results of the autopsy.

Community stepping up

A GoFundMe has been set up by the Cold Lake Black Community Association to support the family.

“It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved Ibukun Adeniyi, only six years old, was found yesterday after being missing for hours. His body was recovered after a long and painful search that gripped our community and united many in prayer, hope, and determination,” says Sandra Ubabukoh, friend and president of the Association, in the GoFundMe.

“Ibukun was a joyful, bright, and deeply loved little boy whose smile lit up every room he entered. His name, Ibukun, means blessing — and that’s exactly what he was to his family, his friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His laughter was contagious, his curiosity boundless, and his heart pure.”

It says the funds will be used to help with funeral and memorial costs, counselling and emotional support for the family, and time away from work to grieve.

The Cold Lake Community Church has also set up an online portal to help donate to the family in these devastating times with any costs associated with the sudden death.

The link is here to help donate. Choose the fund “Adeniyi family” or give via etransfer to give@clcconline.ca – must include in the memo ‘Adeniyi Family’.