Jana Bahvalova, 29, was pulled from the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham on Wednesday last week – two days earlier, she had not picked up her daughters from their babysitter
A young mum was tragically found dead in a canal after she failed to pick up her daughters from their babysitter.
Jana Bahvalova, 29, was pulled from the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, at around 8.30am on Wednesday last week. The body has now been identified as Jana, who was living in the Birchwood area of Warrington.
The woman was working as a hotel housekeeper and had moved to Birchwood earlier this year from Peterborough after a relationship break down, her sister Diāna said. 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. We became aware that she was missing on December 8, when she did not arrive to pick up her daughters from the babysitter.”
In a special tribute shared with the Manchester Evening News, Diāna described Jana as a “devoted” mum who was a “quiet, kind and gentle soul”. She added, “Her passing has deeply affected her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
“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.”
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”. The fundraiser reads: “With heavy hearts, we reach out to everyone who is able to offer their support.
“Jana Bahvalova was tragically found on 10 December in the Bridgewater Canal. Her passing has deeply affected her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
“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.
“At this incredibly difficult time, Jana’s family and loved ones are not only facing profound grief, but also the financial burden of arranging a funeral and ensuring that her young daughters are supported, both now and in the months ahead. 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.”
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
