By Valerie Posthumus
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE — On Monday, May 23, 2022, many silent tears were shed at a candlelight vigil at the Dunnville bridge in honour of the unknown baby girl that was found by fishermen in the marshes on Tuesday, May 17.
For the purposes of this vigil, the baby was named Anahita after a river and water goddess who is graceful, pure, and without fault.
Eleasha Topolniski, along with Jessica Bathurst, coordinated the event. Topolniski said they coordinated this “because no one else was doing anything and this girl deserved more; she deserved something. She was just a child. If no one in her family is mourning her, then we as a community are going to.”
The child has remained unidentified since being discovered around 1:22 p.m. on May 17.
A post-mortem examination was conducted May 19 at the Forensic Services and Coroner’s Complex in Toronto, which concluded that the girl had been in the water for some time and is between 10.5 months to 2.5 years old. No further details were provided as to the cause of death, and additional testing was scheduled.
Pastor Dawn Ballantyne from South Cayuga Community Church attended the vigil to share words of love and encouragement to those gathered as they paid tribute to the young girl, along with first responders and those who found her. She said, “Our hearts are broken over the discovery of this little girl and we long to wrap her in our loving embrace. We trust, almighty creator, that she rests easy in your everlasting arms, that she is restored and knows your peace now…. May she feel the warmth and love surrounding her from this crowd tonight and may those who are gathered here find comfort and strength standing shoulder to shoulder with their neighbours, united by this little girl, united by love.”
She then read a story called The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, and, as the candles were lit, she added, “In the fog of tragedy and frustration and anger and grief and despair and the unknown, we want to give hope and to share the light. May the light of these candles shelter us from our fear and helplessness. May it nurture our hearts and spirits reminded of the love and light that exists amidst all that we witness here on earth.”
After a few moments of silence Pastor Ballantyne added, “Take all the time that you need as you are here, but as you return to your busy lives and as you blow out your candles, the light does not go away. It changes and it goes with us, and we are called to share that light into the darkest corners and so go from here filled with love and with hope.”
Nurse Tammy Sutor of Fisherville was one of about 100 people that came to the vigil, taking time out of her shift at the Dunnville hospital to pay tribute. Overcome with emotion she said, “She’s at rest now. We need to get some answers.”
DUNNVILLE—Nurse Tammy Sutor of Fisherville was one of about 100 people that came to the vigil, taking time out of her shift at the Dunnville hospital to pay tribute to the young girl who was found deceased, along with the people who found her and the first responders on the scene.
Susie Mageran of Dunnville placed candles and said a prayer with her friend’s children, Shayla (9) and Lanna Chrysler (6). Mageran said, “We belong to the Dunnville Boat Club, so it was a total shock, a total shock! We prayed for the little girl; they both said a prayer.”
The Haldimand County OPP Crime Unit continues to investigate the death, under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with the assistance of OPP Forensic Identification Services and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario. This investigation includes receiving and following up on tips from both Canada and the United States.
“Investigators want to hear from anyone in the Dunnville area, or elsewhere, who may have information that could help identify this child,” said an OPP release. “A specific request is for those who may know of a family with a little girl, between the approximate ages of 10.5 months and 2.5 years old, who may have left town suddenly or moved away under circumstances that could now be considered suspicious.”
DUNNVILLE—Shown is a plaque left at the memorial, with the name given to the unknown child by organizers: Anahita.
—Haldimand Press photos by Valerie Posthumus.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tip line at 1-844-677-9403. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
