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drowning

An RCMP dive team recovered the body of 14-year old Melanie Vanderbeken from Green Lake Tuesday, four days after she disappeared while rescuing her brother.

An RCMP dive team recovered the body of 14-year old Melanie Vanderbeken from Green Lake Tuesday, four days after she disappeared while rescuing her brother. Vanderbeken had been picnicking with her family on the beach of Green Lake near Fitzsimmons Creek on Aug. 10 when her 11-year old brother entered the creek and was swept away by the current. Melanie jumped in after him and was also swept away. Melanie managed to keep her brother's head above the water until boaters in the area were able to pull the boy to safety. However, by the time they had the boy on board Melanie had disappeared. Divers searched the lake for two and a half days before finding her close to where she was last seen by witnesses. The search was hampered by silty conditions which created poor underwater visibility. Melanie’s parents and uncles were present when her body was recovered at about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Melanie is being recommended for a posthumous award for bravery.