Family outing ends in tragedy

A family reunion north of Kingston ended in tragedy Saturday evening when a young local man died after jumping into a lake from the roof of a house. Sgt. Gary Ouellette of Frontenac OPP said Tuesday that Eric Sparling, 21, of Norval was found unresponsive in Sydenham Lake after his leap from the approximately 35 ft. high roof of the lakeside home. Ouellette said family members immediately removed Sparling from the water and began first aid. Local emergency personnel took over when they arrived, transporting him to Kingston General Hospital where Sparling was pronounced dead a short time later. Sparling was spending the long weekend at the lake with family, when he and others decided to jump into the water from the roof-- described by Ouellette as "a regular occurrence" at the home. He said the water in the lake, located about 20 km north of Kingston, was deep. "We don't believe he came into contact with anything," said Ouellette. "He hit at an awkward angle." At press time Ouellette said police did not have an official cause of death as they were awaiting results of a post mortem Tuesday. Sparling's mother Carol declined to comment to The Independent & Free Press. Sparling is survived by his parents Bruce and Carol and sisters Bonnie and Kate. He was an avid skier and snowboarder, and the family is requesting, in memory, contributions be made to the Ontario Track 3 Ski Association. Visitation at the J.S. Jones & Son Funeral Home will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. The funeral will be held in the chapel Friday at 1 p.m.