James D.A. Badgley died attempting to rescue Colton B. J. Valleau from drowning, Picton, Ontario, August 4, 2024. Colton, 11, was playing in shallow water in Lake Ontario when he slipped on a rock and fell, was submerged by a wave, and was pulled farther from shore. Colton’s uncle, Badgley, 35, pipe laborer, was on the beach nearby and saw Colton struggling in the water. Colton’s mother, also in the party on the beach, entered the water, as well as some other members of the group. Although he was only a fair swimmer and knew the lake could have rough conditions, Badgley, too, entered the water and, at a point about 20 feet from shore, dived into the waves in an area where the lake bottom was rocky. Badgley then stood briefly, appearing disoriented, but fell and submerged. He did not resurface. Colton’s mother reached him and, with Colton holding onto her neck, she towed him back toward shore as they were pushed by current and waves. They reached shallow water, where a friend aided them back to the beach. Colton was shaken but uninjured. A search was initiated for Badgley, but the lake’s rough conditions and growing darkness impeded the efforts. His body resurfaced and was pushed to shore about six hours later. Badgley had drowned and sustained facial injuries believed to have been caused by striking rocks at the bottom of the lake.
2025-0000024-10542James D.A. Badgley
Picton, ON