Smiths Falls man, 96, died of natural causes after being found in Rideau River: police

The death of a 96-year-old Smiths Falls man whose body was found in the water earlier this week has been ruled the result of natural causes.

Smiths Falls police say officers were called on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 after receiving a 911 call from a boater who discovered a body in the water near the Rideau River shoreline off Queen Street.

Members of the Smiths Falls Police Service, Lanark County Paramedic Service and Smiths Falls Fire Service responded to the scene, where the individual was pronounced dead. The has been identified as John Everett, 96, of Smiths Falls.

Police say a post-mortem examination conducted by the Office of the Chief Coroner determined Everett died of a heart attack and that his death was due to natural causes.

“The Smiths Falls Police Service extends its condolences to Mr. Everett’s family and friends during this difficult time,” police say in a media release.