GoFundMe launched for family of Calgary woman who died at Kananaskis lake

KANANASKIS COUNTRY – A GoFundMe has been set up for the family of a Calgary woman who died at Barrier Lake last month.

The woman has been identified as Pei Geng, 52, and was the sole caregiver to her pre-teen son and elderly mother. On July 13, Geng suddenly died at the popular Kananaskis Country lake off Highway 40.

“On that heartbreaking day, Pei’s innocent, expectant pre-teen child was amongst the first to receive the devastating news and, out of necessity, had to translate and convey the heart-wrenching information to his grandmother due to her language barrier,” states the GoFundMe.

“The trauma and sorrow of experiencing such a loss in such an intimate way are beyond words.”

RCMP confirmed Geng’s death is still being investigated as a sudden death by drowning. According to an unnamed friend of Geng’s who spoke to Global News, she became stuck in mud in the water, fell backwards and could not be revived despite life-saving efforts. Police and AHS EMS were called to respond around 3:30 p.m.

AHS personnel confirmed Geng deceased at the scene. A subsequent autopsy with the Calgary Chief Medical Examiner came back inconclusive, according to RCMP.

A media release issued on July 29 said Cochrane RCMP were seeking witnesses or video footage from cellphones or dash cameras that could help piece together the investigation.

Anyone with information, including video footage or an eyewitness account of the events leading up to the incident or after, was asked to contact Cochrane RCMP at 403-851-8000 or call local police to make a report. 

“That file is still open. It’s still being investigated, but there’s nothing to suggest that it [the death] is suspicious at this time,” said RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Gina Slaney. 

According to the GoFundMe, Geng was an “active, loving mother, who cherished nature, hiking and exercise.”

“She worked tirelessly to provide the best education and living environment possible for her family. She was not only a pillar in her family but also a cherished member of our community and workplace. Her positive spirit, dedication, and kindness touched many lives,” the fundraiser states.

“Her passing has not only left a void in everyone’s hearts but also immediate financial challenges and barriers for her loved ones. We hope to carry forward her legacy by supporting her family in this time of need.”

Funds raised will support covering essential expenses of Geng’s mother and son, including funeral costs, legal fees and bills, as well as educational assistance for Geng’s son.

The GoFundMe can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/support-Pei-family.

The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. The position covers Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Country.