The body of a young mother has been recovered from a canal in Greater Manchester after she failed to collect her two daughters from their babysitter.
Tragic Discovery in Bridgewater Canal
Jana Bahvalova, a 29-year-old Latvian citizen, was found in the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham on the morning of Wednesday, 10 December 2025. Police were called to Atlantic Street shortly before 8.30am following reports of a body in the water. Emergency services attended and her body was recovered from the canal near the junction of Plantin Road and Atlantic Street in the Broadheath area.
A section of the canal path on Oldfield Road was closed off as a specialist police team conducted a search of the location. The woman was formally identified as Jana, who had been living in the Birchwood area of Warrington.
A Devoted Mother Raising Daughters Alone
Jana's family realised she was missing two days earlier, on Monday 8 December, when she did not arrive to pick up her daughters, Adelina and Kate, from their babysitter. In a heartfelt tribute, her sister Diāna described Jana as a 'quiet, kind and gentle soul' and a devoted mother.
Jana had moved to Birchwood from Peterborough earlier in 2025 following the breakdown of a relationship and was raising her two girls as a single parent. She worked as a hotel housekeeper and was known for being hardworking and reliable. Her sister said cycling was a passion that brought her peace and happiness.
Family Launches Fundraiser for Daughters' Future
The family is now rallying to support Jana's young children. A GoFundMe page has been set up to contribute towards funeral costs and to help secure the future care and stability of Adelina and Kate.
In the online tribute, Diāna wrote: 'Her daughters were her entire world, and everything she did was for them... Although Jana can no longer be by her daughters' side, together we can help ensure they have the care, security and support they need moving forward.'
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the incident and stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious. A file is being prepared for the coroner.
