‘Hero’ Eastman “carried sunshine in her smile” says friend

Heather Wright/The Independent

A Labour Day tragedy in the waters of Lake Huron; a young mother saving her child struggling in Lake Huron at The Cove near Canatara Park has died.

Sarnia Fire Rescue was called to The Cove around 3 pm Sept. 7 for a possible drowning.

The department’s three marine units were dispatched and additional firefighters responded by land. They began an extensive search of the area with help from bystanders who saw the woman and child.

For about five-and-half hours, crew conducted a systematic search using sonar and 3D imaging technology.

Other first responders including the Canadian Coast Guard, OPP marine and helicopter units, Point Edward fire and rescue, people from the Sarnia Yacht Club, the St. Clair, Michigan Sherrif and Chesterfield Fire department responded. The Chesterfield fire department’s dive team responded to help with the search.

After several hours of searching, Sarnia Fire Rescue said in a social media post, a person was found and recovered from the water. Officials did not identify the victim.

Friends have identified the woman as Kait Eastman.

A GoFundMe page set up by Cat Cabajar to help Eastman’s family says “Our beloved Kait sacrificed her own life to save her son who was drowning at a local beach.” Eastman, Cabajar said, leaves behind two children, a boy and a girl, who will “need our support as they process such a tragic loss.

“Kait was the type of person who carried sunshine in her smile. She dedicated a huge portion of her life to helping support others in our community,” Cabajar added.

Eastman was a “talented photographer whose warmth and creativity was reflected in the moments she captured with her clients,” a designer and ran a small business with her sister, Ashley. “I will always cherish the time we had as friends and colleagues and the many milestones that we were fortunate enough to celebrate together.”

The GoFundMe, which can be found here https://gofund.me/5cc50cd4f, will raise funds for Eastman’s funeral and “will help lift the burden of these expenses off of her family and any additional funds will help her children who now face a life without their Mom by their side as they grow.”

The search effort expanded to include multiple agencies and organizations, including the Canadian Coast Guard, Ontario Provincial Police marine and helicopter units, Point Edward Fire & Rescue, members of the Sarnia Yacht Club, St. Clair Sherrif and Chesterfield Fire Department, whose dive teams responded to assist with the search.

After several hours of searching, an individual was located and recovered from the water.

Sarnia Fire Rescue Services extends our condolences to the individual’s family and friends during this difficult time. We also want to recognize the tremendous cooperation and efforts of all agencies, organizations, and members of the public who assisted throughout the search