Mother of Two Discovered Dead in Canal After Missing Pickup for Her Daughters

A mother of two has been discovered deceased in a canal after she did not arrive to pick up her daughters from their babysitter.

The body of Jana Bahvalova, 29, was retrieved from the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

Jana Bahvalova’s body was recovered from the Bridgewater Canal in AltrinchamCredit: GoFundMe

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene on Atlantic Street following the heartbreaking discovery on December 10.

Images from the event showed a specialized team searching the vicinity.

The body of the woman, identified as Jana, was pulled from the water at approximately 8:30 AM.

In a heartfelt tribute, her sister Diāna described her as a “devoted” mother who was a “quiet, kind, and gentle soul.”

Jana was employed as a hotel housekeeper and had relocated to Birchwood earlier this year from Peterborough after the end of a relationship, according to her sister.

The family realized that Jana was missing two days prior, on December 8, when she did not arrive to collect her daughters, Adelina and Kate, from the babysitter.

Diāna told the Manchester Evening News : “After separating from her husband, she was raising her two daughters on her own.

“She loved them dearly, which brought her peace and happiness.

“We became aware that she was missing on December 8, when she failed to pick up her daughters from the babysitter.”

A fundraising page has been established to support Jana’s family and assist with her funeral expenses.

In a message on the fundraising site, Diāna stated that Jana’s daughters were her “entire world.”

She added: “Her passing has profoundly impacted her family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing her.

“Jana was a dedicated mother to her two daughters, Adelina and Kate.

“She raised them alone, always striving to provide a safe, loving, and stable environment.

“Jana worked as a hotel cleaner and was recognized for being hardworking, dependable, and humble, never complaining even when life presented challenges.

“Those who knew Jana remember her as a quiet, kind, and gentle spirit.

“Her daughters were her entire world, and everything she did was for them.”

She continued: “Although Jana can no longer be by her daughters’ side, together we can help ensure they receive the care, security, and support they need moving forward.”

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Police previously stated: “Shortly before 8:30 AM on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, officers were called to Atlantic Street, Altrincham, following reports of a body in the water.

“Emergency services attended, and sadly, the body of a female was recovered from the water.”

The emergency services were summoned to Atlantic Street, Altrincham, on December 10Credit: MEN Media