Funeral Services Set for Sylvan Lake Boating Accident Victims

While family members prepare to bury two siblings who died as the result of a boating accident Sunday on Sylvan Lake, a third child remains hospitalized in critical condition. 

Alexander Mansour, 11, died Sunday and six-year-old Gabrielle Mansour died Monday, after the inner tube their father, John, was pulling with a personal watercraft was hit by a boat Sunday afternoon. The children will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield Friday, following a 12 p.m. funeral service at Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church, 25585 Berg Rd. in Southfield. 

The Oakland County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate the accident. Officials said from the beginning that alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash. 

The Oakland Press on Wednesday quoted Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard as saying he expects the investigation to continue for about two weeks. 

John Mansour's brother Marvin Mansour, also of West Bloomfield, issued a statement Wednesday thanking everyone for "their thoughts and prayers in support of our family."

Quoted in The Oakland Press, Marvin Mansour asked for continued prayers for 10-year-old Adriana. "She remains in critical condition, but we see little signs of improvement and pray they continue." He also noted the family continues to ask for privacy. 

According to the Southfield Funeral Home website, there will be no visitation at the funeral home. 

Read more in The Oakland Press.