A mother of two’s body has been pulled from a canal after she failed to pick her daughters up from their babysitter.

Jana Bahvalova, 29, was found dead in the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham, Manchester last week.

Police were called to Atlantic Street following the tragic discovery on the morning of December 10.

Emergency services were spotted by the canal near Plantin Road and Atlantic Street in Broadheath.

A part of the canal path was closed off by police on Oldfield Road, with reports and photos showing a specialist police team carrying out a search in the area.

The body of a woman was pulled from the water at around 8.30am.

She has now been identified as 29-year-old Jana, who was living in the Birchwood area of Warrington.

Her sister Diāna described her as a ‘devoted’ mum who was a ‘quiet, kind and gentle soul’ in a tribute to the Manchester Evening News.

Jana, a Latvian citizen, was working as a hotel housekeeper and had moved to Birchwood earlier this year from Peterborough after a relationship breakdown, her sister said.

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Jana Bahvalova (pictured), 29, was found dead in the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham, Manchester last week

The family became aware she was missing two days earlier, on December 8, when she had not picked up her two daughters, Adelina and Kate from their babysitter.

Diāna said: ‘After separating from her husband, she was raising her two daughters on her own. She loved cycling very much, which was something that brought her peace and happiness.’

The family are now raising funds to support Jana’s family and contribute towards her funeral.

In a post on GoFundMe, she said Jana’s daughters were her ‘entire world’.

‘Her passing has deeply affected her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her,’ the tribute from her sister read.

‘Jana was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Adelina and Kate. She raised them on her own, always doing everything she could to provide a safe, loving and stable home.

‘Jana worked as a hotel cleaner and was known for being hardworking, reliable and humble, never complaining even when life was challenging.

‘Those who knew Jana remember her as a quiet, kind and gentle soul. Her daughters were her entire world, and everything she did was for them.’

She added: ‘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.’

In a statement on December 10, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Shortly before 8.30am on Wednesday 10 December 2025, officers were called to Atlantic Street, Altrincham to reports of a body in the water.

‘Emergency services attended and sadly the body of a female has been recovered from the water.’