Woman found dead in canal identified

January 19 2026

The woman whose body was discovered in a canal near Lamaha Springs and Barbie Dam on Sunday, January 18, has been identified, BIG Smith News Watch has confirmed.

Friends of the deceased told this newscast that she was known to them as “Samantha” or “Trina.”

The woman, believed to be in her forties, was the mother of three children—two boys and a girl—and reportedly lived with her reputed husband in a squatting area at North Ruimveldt.

Her home is located near a trench that connects to the Barbie Dam canal, where her body was later found. Relatives of the woman have since reportedly made contact with the police.

A resident of the area said she last saw Samantha alive at about 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, noting that the woman, who she described as “very friendly,” appeared to be depressed at the time.

BIG Smith News Watch understands that when under the influence, Samantha would on occasion lose her footing on the narrow bridge leading to her residence, at times falling into the trench. On those occasions, friends reportedly assisted her.

The woman’s body was discovered around 10:00 hrs on Sunday. Police said the corpse, which bore “several visible marks,” was found lying face down in the Barbie Dam canal.

Several individuals have since been questioned as investigations continue. The body is currently at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.