A woman whose body was recovered from the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham last week has been identified as a 29-year-old mother-of-two who had been reported missing days earlier.
Jana Bahvalova was recovered from the water near Atlantic Street on Wednesday 10th December after failing to pick up her daughters from their babysitter two days earlier.
The alarm was raised when Jana, who was living in the Birchwood area of Warrington, did not arrive to collect her two daughters, Adelina and Kate, on 8th December.
Emergency services were called to Atlantic Street, close to Plantin Road in Broadheath, shortly before 8.30am on Wednesday following reports of a body in the water. A section of the canal towpath was cordoned off as specialist police teams carried out searches in the area.
She has now been identified as 29-year-old Jana, who was working as a hotel cleaner and had moved to Birchwood earlier this year from Peterborough after a relationship breakdown.
Her sister Diāna described her as a "devoted" mum who was a "quiet, kind and gentle soul".
In a heartfelt post on GoFundMe, Diāna said: “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."
Greater Manchester Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jana’s death.
A spokesperson previously 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.
“Officers are currently working to establish her identity to inform and support her loved ones, and the circumstances surrounding her death.”
