I had a rule when I was a scoutmaster on canoe trips.
Your feet gets wet, you better have a life vest on.
And I am 6’4” and 230 lbs of ex army.
They wore them no matter what skill swim level.
I like my feet on solid ground......I never like the way I feel in a canoe....far too unstable even trying to get seated! Add wind and rough waters, as what appears to have been possible in this situation, and it’s an accident ready to happen as I see it.
Even so sorry for the family....I’m sure they’re suffering.