Stresses pile on top of one another and lead to panic and exhaustion.
I will wager they had no PFDs, (the water was cold,) they made the trip hurriedly, the boy had little canoeing experience, the boat “sailed away,” she got tired trying to control it or even turn it around (which is difficult in a strong breeze with a light passenger,) panic ensued, they got too high in the boat instead of kneeling, and tipped over somewhere near the channel.
Sometimes a canoe and the wind can be stronger than you are.
It has happened to me!
Should it happen to you, do not panic, stay low in the boat, get to land as long as it takes, as close as the nearest land is, and ditch the boat.
Ah, memories: me, a canoe, the Ohio River … stronger than you … yeah, been there, done that.
Sad story. A mom and an eight year old kid. RIP.