A community has been left in mourning after a devoted mother-of-two was tragically found dead in a Greater Manchester canal, following an alert raised when she failed to collect her children from a babysitter.
A Mother's Tragic Discovery
Jana Bahvalova, aged 29, was reported missing after she did not arrive to pick up her two young daughters from their babysitter on Sunday, December 8, 2025. Her body was later discovered in the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham.
Greater Manchester Police were called to Atlantic Street shortly before 8.30am on Wednesday, December 10, following reports of a body in the water. Emergency services attended the scene and sadly recovered the woman's body.
A Life Dedicated to Her Daughters
Jana, who had been living in the Birchwood area of Warrington, was described by her heartbroken sister, Diāna, as a quiet, kind, and gentle soul who was utterly devoted to her children. She had moved to the area earlier in the year from Peterborough following a relationship breakdown.
"She was raising her two daughters on her own," her sister told the Manchester Evening News. "She loved cycling very much, which was something that brought her peace and happiness. Her daughters were her entire world, and everything she did was for them."
Jana worked as a hotel housekeeper and was known for being hardworking and reliable, never complaining despite life's challenges. Her daughters, Adelina and Kate, were the centre of her universe.
Community Support in the Wake of Loss
The sudden and devastating loss has deeply affected Jana's family, friends, and all who knew her. In response, the family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to support her young daughters and contribute towards funeral costs.
"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," her sister added in the fundraising appeal.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jana's death is ongoing, with police treating it as an unexplained but non-suspicious tragedy. The community is now rallying to offer support to the bereaved family during this profoundly difficult time.
