Calgary family mourns 7-year-old girl who drowned in southeast pond

A Calgary family is mourning the death of seven-year-old Drihanna Matamona, who drowned in a storm pond in the city's southeast area on Sunday. The incident has left her loved ones devastated, with relatives describing her as a bright, joyful child who brought light into the lives of those around her. Drihanna, who was autistic and non-verbal, was known for her love of drawing, puzzles, and playing with her siblings. Her godmother, Ninon Ignoumba, described how her presence was unmistakable and how her intelligence shone through even without words. Ignoumba shared that Drihanna had a unique ability to solve puzzles quickly and often approached strangers with curiosity and friendliness, holding their hands and trying to engage them in play. “She would come up to you, and she would just hold your hand,” said Ignoumba. “Even if she doesn’t know you, she would hold your hand and make you stand up, that just means she wants to play with you.” These small acts of kindness reflected the warmth and openness of Drihanna’s spirit. According to reports, Drihanna left her home on Sunday afternoon and headed toward a nearby pond. Her father had been in the garage retrieving something from the car when he noticed she was missing. By the time he located her in the water, it was too late. Meanwhile, her mother was at work when she received the devastating phone call informing her of her daughter’s death. The shock of losing her child has left both parents struggling to cope with daily life. The grief is palpable within the family, with Ignoumba noting that the parents have difficulty eating due to the overwhelming sorrow they carry. “It’s tough for them to swallow because the pain is still there,” she said. For Drihanna’s aunt, Gloria Massengo, the loss has been particularly hard on her sister, and the family is focusing on providing emotional support during this difficult time. In response to the tragedy, community members have rallied around the family, creating a growing memorial at the pond as a symbol of solidarity and remembrance. A GoFundMe page has also been established to assist the family with funeral expenses, household bills, and other pressing needs. The outpouring of support has offered some comfort to the grieving family, who feel less isolated in their sorrow. The family is calling for increased safety measures at the pond, which is located near a playground. They are urging the City of Calgary to consider installing a fence to prevent future tragedies. “We lost Drihanna,” said Ignoumba. “We don’t want any family to go through this because it’s tough. If we can prevent, it’s better to prevent than to be sorry.” To honor Drihanna’s memory, the family plans to gather at the pond again this Sunday evening at 5 p.m., inviting the broader community to join them in remembering a girl who was full of life. “Full of joy, happiness,” said Ignoumba. “That’s what we’re going to keep in our memory. Our Drihanna will be with us forever.”