Tragedy in Canada: Victor Gabriel Camargo, a 16-year-old student from Paraná, drowned in a river in Nackawic, New Brunswick, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The young man, from Jesuítas in western Paraná, was part of the “Ganhando o Mundo” exchange program, promoted by the state government. He had been missing since Monday, June 16, after entering the Shogomoc River with the Canadian host family of another exchange student. Rescue teams located his body on Tuesday morning, causing widespread grief in Paraná and mobilizing local and Canadian authorities. The Paraná State Education Secretariat (Seed-PR) confirmed the incident and is providing support to the family.
The case shook the school community and sparked discussions about safety in outdoor activities during exchange programs. Victor, a student at Barão do Rio Branco State School, was recognized for his dedication to studies. His untimely death cut short a dream of international learning, set to conclude in July. The Paraná government and the Canadian consulate are expediting procedures to assist the family.
- Incident details: Victor entered the river on Monday, accompanied by another exchange student and her host family.
- Immediate response: Canadian police began searches on Monday night, with support from underwater teams.
- Official support: The Paraná government ensured logistical and emotional assistance for the student’s family.
The tragedy quickly spread, mobilizing social media with messages of solidarity. The state education network declared official mourning, and Victor’s school issued a statement of condolence, highlighting his exemplary journey.
What happened in the Shogomoc River
On Monday evening, around 7:56 p.m. local time, Victor Gabriel Camargo entered the Shogomoc River in Nackawic. He was with the Canadian family hosting another student from the same program. The exact circumstances of the drowning have not yet been detailed by authorities, but the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ruled out any criminal activity. Searches began immediately, with divers, firefighters, and remotely piloted aircraft systems deployed.
Operations were halted at midnight due to poor visibility but resumed at 7:30 a.m. the next morning. By 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the young man’s body was found. The swift response from Canadian authorities was noted by the Paraná Education Secretariat, which remains in contact with local police to monitor developments.
Ganhando o Mundo Program
The “Ganhando o Mundo” program, launched in 2019 by the Paraná government, has sent over 1,240 state school students on exchanges to countries like Canada, the United States, Australia, and European nations. The initiative covers expenses such as travel, accommodation, meals, and study materials, while providing participants with a monthly stipend. Victor had been in Canada since January, improving his English and experiencing a new culture.
- Program goal: Expand students’ cultural and academic horizons.
- Target audience: Students, teachers, and educators from the state public school system.
- Educational impact: Returnees share experiences in Paraná schools.
- Safety measures: The program includes travel insurance for all participants.
The tragedy raises questions about safety protocols for recreational activities during exchanges. While the program is praised for its organization, the incident underscores the need for clearer guidelines in high-risk situations.
School community response
Victor Gabriel’s death deeply affected Barão do Rio Branco State School, where he studied. The school’s administration posted a statement on social media, expressing solidarity with the family and highlighting the young man’s impact on the school community. Teachers and peers recalled his dedication and cheerful spirit, emphasizing the void left by his passing.
On social media, messages of support multiplied. Friends, family, and even strangers shared words of comfort. One user wrote, “May God comfort this family’s hearts in this moment of pain.” The official mourning declared by the state school network reflects the gravity of the event for Paraná’s education system.
Support for the family
The Paraná government acted swiftly to support Victor’s family, who live in Jesuítas. The Education Secretariat is in direct contact with the parents, providing emotional and logistical assistance. A director from the department, Anderfábio Oliveira dos Santos, traveled to Canada to oversee procedures and ensure all necessary measures are taken.
Additionally, the state government coordinated with the Federal Police to issue emergency passports for the parents, should they choose to travel to Canada. The Canadian consulate also offered to expedite visas and other processes, facilitating the repatriation of the body.
Canadian authorities’ measures
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, responsible for the search, deployed significant resources to locate Victor. The operation involved the Underwater Recovery Team, the Hartland Fire Department, and drones for aerial mapping. Corporal Dave Penny from the Nackawic Detachment confirmed no evidence of foul play, classifying the case as a tragic accident.
Local authorities are also working with the Brazilian consulate to clarify details of the incident. Nackawic, a quiet town, rarely sees such incidents, which heightened the community’s shock.
Safety history in exchange programs
Fatal accidents in exchange programs are rare but not unheard of. In 2018, a 14-year-old student from Araraquara, São Paulo, died in a hit-and-run accident in Canada during a vacation exchange. Such cases highlight the importance of preventive measures, such as clear guidance on risky activities and proper supervision.
In Victor’s case, the presence of the host family did not prevent the tragedy, suggesting that factors like river currents or conditions may have contributed. Safety experts recommend that exchange students be briefed on the dangers of natural environments, especially in countries with unfamiliar climates and geographies.
- Exchange safety measures:
- Pre-departure briefings on risks of outdoor activities.
- Enhanced supervision in places like rivers and lakes.
- Training for host families on safety protocols.
- Ongoing communication between organizers and participants.
Victor Gabriel’s profile
Victor was described as an outstanding student with strong academic commitment. According to Education Secretary Roni Miranda, the young man stood out for his dedication and was admired by peers and teachers. His participation in “Ganhando o Mundo” was a source of pride for his family and the Jesuítas community, a town of just over 9,000 residents.
Victor’s journey reflected the dreams of many Brazilian youths seeking opportunities abroad. His death, just weeks before completing the exchange, turned this journey into a tragedy that touched Paraná and Brazil.
Social media mobilization
News of Victor’s death sparked a wave of online solidarity. Social media posts highlighted the family’s grief and the school community’s mourning. Many shared photos and messages in tribute to the young man, emphasizing his legacy of joy and dedication.
The hashtag #LutoVictorGabriel was used by some users to express condolences. The digital mobilization also included calls for emotional support for the family, with messages stressing the need for unity in times of grief.
Next steps
The Paraná government continues to monitor the case, focusing on supporting the family and completing legal procedures. The repatriation of Victor’s body depends on consular processes, which are being expedited by the Canadian consulate. The Education Secretariat also plans to review the safety protocols of the “Ganhando o Mundo” program to prevent future incidents.
Victor’s school in Jesuítas is preparing a posthumous tribute, set to bring together students, teachers, and family members. The date has not yet been confirmed, but the initiative aims to honor the young man’s memory and offer comfort to the school community.
