Three people face manslaughter charges after a man drowned in the Chambly Canal Sunday, including a man who jumped in to assist a drowning victim.
Michael Meunier, 24, from St. Jean sur Richelieu died by drowning following an attack by several people at a park near the canal in St. Jean sur Richelieu, 40 kilometres southeast of Montreal, at 1:30 Sunday morning.
"The victim was pepper sprayed in the face," said Surete du Quebec Sgt. Claude Denis. "He panicked and ran away to try and save his life, and jumped in the water."
Denis would not say what provoked the attack.
The victim had difficulty swimming and began to struggle in the water. One of his attackers then jumped in after the victim in an attempt to save him.
His efforts were unsuccessful, and the suspect had to be pulled out of the water by rescue crews. The victim did not survive.
The three suspects will appear in St. Richelieu court Monday to face manslaughter charges.
Police say there may be more arrests.
