Jana Bahvalova, a 29-year-old mother of two, was discovered deceased in the Bridgewater Canal in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. Her body was found after she failed to pick up her daughters from their babysitter on December 8.
Bahvalova, originally from Peterborough, had moved to Birchwood earlier in the year and was raising her two daughters, Adelina and Kate, on her own after separating from her husband. Her sister described her as a "devoted" mother and a "quiet, kind and gentle soul" who worked as a hotel housekeeper. She was known for being hardworking, reliable, and humble, and her daughters were her "entire world."
The family reported her missing on December 8 when she did not arrive for the scheduled pick-up. Police were alerted to the discovery of a body in the water on Atlantic Street shortly before 8:30 AM on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Emergency services attended the scene, and sadly, a female body was recovered. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Jana's family and help with funeral costs, aiming to ensure her daughters receive the care and support they need.